Nigerian military detains Christian journalist and rights advocate Lawrence Zongo

Lawrence Zongo, a Christian journalist and rights advocate, was arrested by the Nigerian military on October 5, 2026, at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos. Zongo, a member of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), had visited the military hospital to assist relatives who were receiving treatment for injuries sustained during an attack by Fulani gunmen in Miango the previous night. Reports indicate that Zongo was taken into custody shortly after arriving at the facility.

According to Truth Nigeria, Zongo is currently being held incommunicado and has been denied access to legal counsel. While the specific reasons for his detention remain unconfirmed by military authorities, sources suggest his arrest may be linked to his history of documenting human rights violations. Zongo previously reported being beaten during a prior detention by the military several years ago. Judd Saul, founder of Truth Nigeria, has called for Zongo’s immediate release, urging the military to focus its efforts on addressing the violence committed by armed militias.