Meta Smart Glasses Spark Security Concerns As Army Reveals Why It Detained Plateau Journalist

The Nigerian Army has explained that Plateau-based journalist Lawrence Zongo was arrested for allegedly entering a restricted military facility without authorisation and wearing Meta smart glasses that raised security concerns.

The Army gave the explanation on Friday amid growing criticism over Zongo’s arrest and detention in Jos, Plateau State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Zongo was arrested on Monday, October 5, after visiting the military hospital at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, popularly known as Rukuba Barracks. He reportedly said he had gone to see relatives receiving treatment for injuries sustained during an attack in Bassa Local Government Area.

The arrest attracted criticism from Amnesty International, which described his detention as arbitrary and unlawful. The human rights organisation said military authorities had denied attempts to gain access to him since his arrest.

Amnesty International, which also engages Zongo as a volunteer reporter, called for his immediate and unconditional release or his transfer to civilian authorities.

“Mr Zongo must either be handed over to civil authorities or immediately released,” the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.

However, the Army disputed the suggestion that Zongo’s release resulted solely from pressure by Amnesty International or other groups, maintaining that security concerns informed the decision to arrest him.

Conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman shared an account of the incident on social media, explaining the circumstances surrounding Zongo’s detention and eventual release.

According to Kim, Zongo allegedly entered the restricted facility without the required clearance while wearing Meta smart glasses, which military personnel reportedly suspected could function as a covert recording device.

Kim further claimed that Zongo identified himself as an Amnesty International volunteer when questioned by soldiers. He added that military police subsequently made inquiries among patients at the hospital, but reportedly found no one who confirmed knowing the journalist.

The conflict journalist also alleged that some military personnel had considered charging Zongo with suspected espionage.

“The pressure from within was for Lawrence to be charged and prosecuted for espionage,” Kim wrote.

He said Zongo was eventually released following interventions by several individuals and groups, including youth leaders Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri Mandiks and Ezekiel Bini. According to Kim, they appealed on the journalist’s behalf and reportedly agreed to make him available if he was needed for further questioning.

Kim added that Zongo had initially been scheduled for transfer to Abuja on October 9 but was released following the interventions.

He maintained that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident would continue and that Zongo could be recalled by the military if necessary.

The conflict journalist also cautioned against portraying the release as a direct result of public pressure, arguing that the military’s concerns centred on the journalist’s presence in a restricted facility with smart glasses amid reported security threats in the area.

Kim further claimed that public statements and threats attributed to Amnesty International had complicated efforts to negotiate with the military. However, those assertions remain part of his account and were not independently verified in the information available.

The incident has raised questions about security restrictions at military facilities, the use of wearable recording technology and the protection of journalists’ rights while carrying out activities connected to their work.