The Defence Headquarters has refuted media reports that it seized newspapers and newsprints across the country noting that it was just a routine security action.
In response to reports that military troops had seized copies of the Leadership Newspaper in Kaduna and some other parts of the country, the director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade said troops across the country are placed on high alert based on intelligence reports indicating movement of high risk material using the medium of newsprint related shipments.
He said: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify that the exercise has nothing to do with content or operation of the media organisations or their personnel as is being wrongly imputed by a section of the press. The military appreciates and indeed respects the role of the media as an indispensable partner in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation and the overall advancement of our country’s democratic credentials. As such, the military will not deliberately and without cause, infringe on the freedom of the press.
“The general public and the affected media organizations in particular are assured that the exercise was a routine security action and should not be misconstrued for any other motive.”
