Ahmad Salkida declared wanted by The Nigerian Army
Ahmad Salkida, the journalist declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over Boko Haram connection, today audaciously announced he has started preparations to return to Nigeria. But said his return could be quickened if the Nigerian government funded his trip.
In a statement he released, Salkida said: “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.”
The Army declared Salkida alongside two others wanted on Sunday – for their alleged ties to Boko Haram sect.
Salkida, Ahmed Bolori and Aisha Wakil committed offences contravening the Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011 by not providing information about the group, the Army said in a statement by its spokesman, Sani Usman. He also said the three are wanted for their alleged roles in the release of Boko Haram’s latest video.
Salkida is surprised that the Army declared him wanted for simply carrying out his professional duties as a journalist, saying he did most of his work with “total allegiance and sacrifice to the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
“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.”
Salkida disclosed he had visited Nigerian three times within the past year on the invitation of the Nigerian government, in an effort to rescue the abducted girls.
“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,” he said.
Already Bolori, one of the three persons declared wanted, has said he made himself available to the military authorities.
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