TheCable

Doha-based television station, Aljazeera, has confirmed the release of two of its Nigerian staff detained by the Nigerian military in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, since March 24.

The military had initially shunned the request of the station that Ahmed Idris and Ali Mustafa, the journalists, be released, insisting that they were interfering with its operation in the northeast.

Chris Olukolade, defence spokesman, had alleged that the reporters were loitering around areas where military operations were ongoing without accreditation or due clearance.

But in an email to TheCable, Hasan Patel, senior public relations officer of Al Jazeera, faulted Olukolade’s claim, saying they were duly accredited to cover the region. The media outfit subsequently instituted a law suit to force the release of the two men.

On Sunday, Salah Negm, director of news for AlJazeera English, said both men had been allowed to leave the Maiduguri hotel where they were detained.

“We’re pleased for Ahmed and Ali that their ordeal is over,” Negm said in a statement.

“They’re looking forward to spending some time with their families and loved ones. I know that both of them want to thank everyone that helped secure their release, including NGOs, politicians and fellow journalists.”

Idris joined AlJazeera in 2010, while Mustafa has been with the network since 2011.