Amnesty Demands Immediate Release of Plateau Journalist Lawrence Zongo

Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Plateau State-based human rights and conflict journalist Lawrence Zongo, who was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian military.

Zongo, a reporter with TruthNigeria and a volunteer with Amnesty International, was allegedly arrested on Monday, October 5, 2026, after visiting a military medical facility in Jos to see relatives who had been injured in an attack in Bassa Local Government Area.

According to reports, Zongo was taken into custody at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, which houses the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos.

Amnesty International said Zongo had been held incommunicado and that efforts to gain access to him had reportedly been denied.

The circumstances surrounding his detention remain unclear. The Nigerian Army has not publicly confirmed the reported arrest or explained the reason for his alleged detention.

Zongo has reportedly spent years documenting insecurity, conflict and alleged human rights abuses in Plateau State.

Amnesty International is therefore calling on the authorities to ensure his immediate and unconditional release and respect his rights as a journalist and human rights defender.