By Palang Paul
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged incommunicado detention of its member and volunteer, Lawrence Zongo, by the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State.
The righs organisation said Zongo has been held in military custody since Monday, October 5, 2026, after soldiers arrested him while he was visiting relatives receiving treatment at a military hospital.
Amnesty International said the hospital is located within Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos.
According to the organisation, all efforts to gain access to Zongo have so far been denied, including attempts by those seeking to establish his welfare and legal status.
Amnesty described the detention as arbitrary and unlawful, expressing concern that Zongo has allegedly been held without access to his lawyers, family members or other forms of independent contact.
The organisation said the continued denial of access amounts to a disregard for due process and called on the Nigerian Army to immediately clarify the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.
“Mr. Zongo must either be handed to civil authorities, or immediately released,” Amnesty International said.
Zongo, a human rights defender and Amnesty International volunteer, was reportedly at the military hospital to visit relatives receiving medical treatment when he was arrested.
As of the time of the statement, Amnesty International said Zongo remained in military detention in Jos, while the reason for his continued detention had not been publicly disclosed.
The organisation urged the authorities to respect Zongo’s fundamental rights and ensure that any allegations against him are addressed through lawful procedures.
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