By Palang Paul
The Nigerian Army has released Lawrence Zongo, an Amnesty International volunteer and human rights defender, after 10 days in detention in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Zongo was released following calls by Amnesty International and the Take-It-Back Movement for his immediate release over concerns about his alleged incommunicado detention.
“Zongo is out,” a source familiar with the development says on Thursday 15th October 2026.
Zongo was arrested on October 5 while visiting relatives receiving treatment at a military hospital within Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos.
He had reportedly gone to the facility to assist family members injured in a gunmen attack in Meyango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday night.
Sources familiar with the incident said one of Zongo’s first cousins died from injuries sustained in the attack before he arrived at the hospital late Monday morning.
Following his arrest, sources alleged that Zongo was detained without formal charges and denied access to his family and lawyers.
There were also claims that he was wearing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses when he visited the military facility, although the allegation had not been independently verified.
On October 8, Amnesty International expressed concern over what it described as Zongo’s arbitrary and incommunicado detention, demanding that the military either release him immediately or hand him over to the appropriate civilian authorities.
The organisation also said efforts to gain access to him had been unsuccessful and called on the Army to explain the circumstances surrounding his arrest and continued detention.
On October 13, the Plateau State chapter of the Take-It-Back Movement joined the calls for his release, questioning the basis for his continued detention.
The movement urged the military to disclose the offence Zongo was suspected of committing and provide evidence to justify his detention, while insisting that his fundamental rights must be respected.
His release comes after days of pressure from human rights organisations and activists over his arrest and reported denial of access to legal representation and family members.
As of the time of filling this report, the Nigerian Army had not publicly explained the reasons for Zongo’s detention or the circumstances surrounding his release.
The circumstances of his release and whether any conditions were attached to it remained unclear.
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