Newspapers in Maiduguri and Abuja on Sunday to invite the organisation’s
journalists responsible for the publication of a classified military
operation plan.The siege was however lifted by 9.30pm on Sunday, following the order
of the Federal Government. But it was not clear whether the computers
carted away from the Abuja headquarters have been returned.
Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman explained on Monday that the
disclosure of classified information by the newspaper undermined
national security hence its reporters responsible were being invited for
questioning.
See the full statement below….
The Nigerian Army wishes to clarify on alleged invasion of Media
Trust Headquarters in Abuja and regional office in Maiduguri. We would
like to state that soldiers of the Nigerian Army along with elements of
Nigeria Police Force and other Security Agencies were indeed at Abuja
and Maiduguri offices of the publishing company to invite the staff of
the company over its lead story on Sunday Trust publication, which
divulged classified military information, thus undermining national
security.In it, the newspaper made disclosed details of planned military
operations against the Boko Haram terrorists. The disclosure of
classified security information amounts to a breach of national security
and run contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Official Secrets Act. It
afforded the Boko Haram terrorists prior notice of our plans and giving
them early warning to prepare against the Nigerian military, thus
sabotaging the planned operations and putting the lives of troops in
imminent and clear danger.We would like to state that the invitation of those responsible for
divulging military plans was done with the best of intention in order to
make them realise the import of such acts to our national security. We
therefore advice all, particularly journalists, not to worry but engage
in their responsive reportage and to be professional as the Nigerian
Army has no intention of muzzling the press or jeopardising press
freedom.We however, wish to enjoin further that they should eschew
jeopardizing national security in their reportage. We would not tolerate
situation where a publication would consistently side with terrorists
and undermine our National institutions.We wish to appeal to all, especially the media, to join hands with
the Nigerian military and security forces to end terrorism and
insurgency in Nigeria. We would like to further assure that the
invitation is for further investigation and if need be, all those
culpable of jeopardising operations security will be prosecuted by the
relevant law enforcement agency.You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations.
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