Nigerian military has defended Friday’s attack on newspapers considered too critical of its activities, saying it was not aimed at clamping down on the media.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said the search carried out by troops on vehicles conveying newspapers was informed by intelligence report at its disposal.
There were reports early Friday that soldiers attacked and confiscated the day’s edition of The Nation, Leadership and Vanguard newspapers.
Olukolade’s statement reads, “Troops this morning embarked on thorough search of vehicles conveying newspapers and newsprints across board.
“This followed intelligence report indicating movement of materials with grave security implications across the country using the channel of newsprint related consignments.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify that the exercise has nothing to do with content or operation of the media organizations 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”.
