The Nigerian Army has made some clarifications on the alleged invasion of Media Trust headquarters in Abuja and the regional office in Maiduguri.
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, circulated to journalists said soldiers, 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.
It said, in the publication, the newspaper made disclosure of details of planned military operations against the Boko Haram terrorists.
Usman said 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.
He added that the report afforded the Boko Haram terrorists prior notice of its plans, and gave them the early warning to prepare against the Nigerian military, thus sabotaging the planned operations, and putting the lives of troops in imminent danger.
The Army, according to him, “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 importance of such acts to national security”.
The Army spokesman advised all, particularly journalists, not to worry, but engage in responsive reportage and be professional, as the Nigerian Army has no intention of muzzling the press or jeopardising press freedom.
While appealing to all, especially the media, to join hands with the Nigerian military and security forces to end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria, the Army assured that the invitation is for further investigation, and if need be, all those culpable of jeopardising operational security will be prosecuted by the relevant law enforcement agency.