The Nigerian journalist declared wanted by the army alongside two others, for alleged links to Boko Haram, has been released from custody.

BBC reports that Ahmed Salkida sent a text message to its Hausa service on Wednesday, saying he was “released in less than 24 hours without any conditions”.

Salkida also said he was not arrested at the airport, explaining that he was merely given a “pre-arranged lift” by the authorities.

The media reported that Salkida was arrested when he arrived in Abuja on a flight from the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

Military authorities had alleged that Salkida has something to hide with regards to the Boko Haram terrorist group and the whereabouts of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls after it appeared the journalist had been in possession of a video clip which the terrorist group later published online.

Army spokesman Sani Usman said at the time that there was “no doubt” the reporter and the two other individuals “have links with Boko Haram terrorists and have contacts with them”.

Salkida has extensively covered the activities of the Boko Haram in the Northeast over the last 10 years and is believed to have high-level contacts within the group.

He has maintained he has done nothing wrong and that he was prepared to return to Nigeria to speak to the authorities.