Ahmad Salkida, a Nigerian journalist, is wanted by the Nigerian army for his alleged role in Sunday’s release of a video that shows some of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by terrorist group Boko Haram.
In addition to Salkida, the army also announced that Ahmed Bolori and Aisha Wakil are wanted for their alleged connection to Boko Haram. The Punch Newspaper is reporting that the army decided to declare Salkida, Bolori, and Wakil wanted because they allegedly have relevant information on the location of the Chibok schoolgirls.
Army Public Relations Director Col. Sani Usman said in a statement, ‘‘There is no doubt that these individuals have links with Boko Haram.”
The army spokesman further stated that the trio allegedly committed offences by not providing information about the group, which contravenes the Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011.
Salkida is known to have written extensively about the activities of the Boko Haram sect and is one of a handful of journalists to have interviewed Boko Haram founder and leader Mohammed Yusuf before his death in 2009 while he was detained by Nigerian authorities.
A freelance journalist who currently lives in self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates, Salkida has repeatedly stated that he is not sympathetic to Boko Haram and whatever contact he has had with the insurgent group was purely a professional one as a journalist.
Through his Twitter account, Salkida has repeatedly questioned claims by Nigerian forces that it had made significant progress against the insurgents and has often cited evidence to back up his assertions.
Many observers have criticized what they believe is an attempt by the Nigerian army to silence Salkida — and by extension — gag the press.
Bolori is the coordinator of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism, and Wakil, the only woman among the group, is a trained lawyer, wife, and Mother. Since the army’s announcement, all three of them have expressed their willingness to honor the invitation and meet with authorities.
