href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jazeera”>Al-Jazeera media network has pressed for the release of two journalists detained by Nigerian military forces “without conditions”. Accused of wandering through regulated combat fields in Maiduguri, Borno state, the military forces questioned them and confiscated their equipment.

The reporters only intended to gather information concerning the battle between Nigerian forces and Boko Haram, but they were trespassing restricted areas. Insisting that Ahmed Idris and Ali Mustafa did not break the law could further delay the resolution of this case. Although military officials are yet to state the conditions for their release, it has been confirmed that the Nigerian nationals will remain confined to their rooms till further notice.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters reported that the journalists passed through Yobe and Borno states without proper protection or authorisation. This is considered an offence as Nigeria declared central North-eastern off limits to journalists in 2013, following the state of emergency in areas worst hit by the insurgency.

In their defence, Al-Jazeera explained that they had obtained accreditation from the Independent Electoral commission in Abuja to report from any location in Nigeria. “Both men had just finished filming a story on the military with their cooperation. Both men are accredited and respected Nigerian journalists”, the statement read.

This occurrence has sparked a lot of criticism from the Committee to Protect Journalists. Peter Nkanga, a representative of West Africa’s Committee to Protect Journalists, stated that the credibility of the election hinges on the freedom of journalists to report on the topics around it. However, the Nigerian authorities are tightening security measures to ensure a free and safe election.

With the polls less than 24 hours away, land and sea borders have been closed, and roads will shut down at 8 am for all except authorised vehicles.