Journalist declared wanted for alleged Boko Haram links replies Army, says: I will soon be in Nigeria

News Express |15th Aug 2016 | 2,600

Ahmad Salkida, the Nigerian journalist declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on account of his links with the Boko Harram terrorist group has reacted to the step taken by the Army.

In a statement he issued on Monday, Salkida said, his attention has been drawn to a public notice put out by the Nigerian Army and signed by Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations.

He described the statement declaring him wanted as “seeks culpable grounds to punish me on account of the last two videos released by Boko Haram terrorists and other findings...” by the Army.

“Clearly, my status as a Nigerian journalist who has reported extensively, painstakingly and consistently on the Boko Haram menace in the country since 2006 is an open book known to Nigerians and the international community. Equally, my total allegiance and sacrifice to the Federal Republic of Nigeria is self evident. I have stayed within the creed of professional journalism in my work.

“As a testimony to the credible and professional values of my access, since May 2015, l have been to Nigeria three times on the invitation of Federal Government agencies. I made personal sacrifices for the release of our Chibok daughters.

“Finally, the Army is aware that I am not in Nigeria presently. In the coming days I will seek to get a flight to Abuja and avail myself to the Army authorities. Indeed, my return will be hastened if the Military sends me a ticket.”

•Photo shows Ahmad Salkida.