Boko Haram: Wanted Nigerian Journalist, Ahmad Salkida Replies Army

Recall that on Sunday, the army declared Salkida alongside two others wanted for their alleged ties to Boko Haram sect.

In a statement he released on Monday, Salkida said he had commenced preparations to return to country to honour the invitation.

He however revealed that the Army was aware he was not in the country prior to being declared wanted, adding that his journey home would be hastened if the government could fund his trip.

“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,” he said.

Salkida, who said the Army was declaring him wanted for simply carrying out his professional duties, added that 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.

“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.

Salkida has over the past two years, written extensively about the Boko Haram sect. He has visited Nigeria three times within the past year on the invitation of the Nigerian government, in an effort to aid the rescue of the abducted girls.