The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has announced that journalists who were kidnapped on Thursday on their way to cover the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State have been released.
SWAN in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, said the journalists, whose names are withheld, were abducted somewhere in Imo State on their way to the assignment by a yet-to-named group of gunmen.
“We want to inform our teeming members across Nigeria and beyond that some of the sports journalists, who were earlier kidnapped on their way to cover the first leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo, have been released,” Okonkwo said.
“The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and indeed SWAN National Secretariat, after making necessary contacts immediately our colleagues were abducted around Anambra/Imo axis, have been reliably informed of their release following pressure by the proactive Nigerian security operatives on the kidnappers.”
Okonkwo commended the security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army and Police for their prompt action which ensured that up to six of the held sports, journalists regained their freedom with efforts still on to get the remaining person freed.
The SWAN Secretary-General said the rescued media practitioners, mostly camera and photojournalists, have either reunited with their families or moved on with other official duties.
SWAN has urged its members to remain calm and without fear in discharging their duties while maintaining regular communication with the various state chapters’ leadership for any formal purposes.
Okonkwo also assured that the national leadership of SWAN is committed to the welfare of members.
DSTV crew members going to cover the AFCON qualification match were reportedly attacked and kidnapped with one of them confirmed to have died.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will host Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo from 5:00 pm today.
Nigeria currently leads Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with four points after two matches.
