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Nigerian Navy Arrests
American Journalist and Nigerian Guide
On June 16, 2006 officers
of the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy arrested an American
photojournalist, Ed Kashi of the “National Geographic” while
photographing gas flare at the Obama flow station in Bayelsa State in
the Niger delta region. His Nigerian guide was also arrested.
They were arrested for not
obtaining permission to take pictures of the oil facility operated by
the multinational oil company, Nigeria Agip Oil Company.
The Director of Naval
Information, Captain Obiora Medani confirmed the arrest adding: “What
happened is that the Journalist was said to be taking pictures of some
oil installations in the Niger Delta area. When he was accosted by naval
operatives posted to mount vigil in the area, it was discovered that the
man had no authorization, to either go closer to the oil installation or
to take any photograph. This was the situation before he was arrested.
When I heard of his arrest, I quickly contacted the FOC who in turn
directed that the man should be allowed to go unconditionally,’ he
added.
Captain Medani also
disclosed that the Journalist was detained for about two days before he
was released.
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