The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned that continued attacks, intimidation and unlawful detention of journalists pose a threat to press freedom and democratic governance in Nigeria.
Key Highlights
- The NUJ warns that attacks, intimidation and unlawful detention of journalists threaten press freedom and democracy.
- The statement by National President Alhassan Yahya marks the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
- The union demands investigation and prosecution of those who attack, harass or unlawfully detain journalists.
- It urges stronger legal protections against arbitrary arrests, censorship and misuse of security regulations.
- It calls for safety protocols and emergency support networks for reporters on high-risk assignments.
The union said the growing culture of impunity surrounding crimes against media professionals could discourage journalists from reporting critical issues and holding public office holders accountable.
The NUJ raised the concern in a statement issued on Monday by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, to commemorate the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
It called on the federal government, security agencies and relevant institutions to ensure that individuals responsible for attacking, harassing or unlawfully detaining journalists are investigated and prosecuted.
Culture Of Impunity
The union expressed concern over the persistent cases of physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, cyberbullying, intimidation and other forms of violence targeting journalists in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
According to the NUJ, failure to punish perpetrators creates an atmosphere of fear within the media industry and weakens the ability of journalists to carry out their professional responsibilities without interference.
“Journalism remains the bedrock of any thriving democracy. It holds the powerful accountable, gives voice to the marginalised, and ensures the public’s fundamental right to accurate information,” the statement said.
The union warned that when attacks against journalists go unpunished, media professionals could resort to self-censorship to avoid victimisation, ultimately limiting the public’s access to information.
It stressed that all reported cases of harassment, physical attacks and unlawful detention must be subjected to thorough, independent and transparent investigations.
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NUJ’s Demands
The NUJ also urged the government to strengthen existing legal protections against arbitrary arrests, censorship and the misuse of security regulations to intimidate media workers.
It further called on security agencies to recognise journalists as essential partners in democratic governance rather than adversaries, insisting that press freedom must be respected as a constitutional right.
The union urged media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish safety protocols and emergency support networks, particularly for reporters covering conflict and other high-risk assignments.
It also appealed to human rights organisations and members of the public to support efforts to create a safe working environment for journalists.
“A threat to any journalist anywhere is a threat to democratic governance everywhere,” the statement added.
“No journalist should pay with their safety, freedom, or life for reporting the truth.”
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed annually on November 2 to draw attention to violence against media professionals and the need to ensure justice for victims.
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