NUJ Urges FG to Prosecute Perpetrators of Attacks on Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for attacks, harassment and unlawful detention of journalists across the country. The union also urged authorities to strengthen legal safeguards for media professionals and ensure that security operatives respect press freedom as a constitutional right. The demands were contained in a statement issued on Monday by NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, to mark the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The union expressed concern over persistent cases of physical assaults, intimidation, arbitrary arrests and cyberbullying targeting media practitioners, warning that failure to hold perpetrators accountable could discourage independent reporting and weaken democratic institutions. It maintained that journalists play a critical role in holding public officials accountable, amplifying marginalised voices and ensuring citizens have access to reliable information. According to the union, allowing attacks on media professionals to go unpunished creates an atmosphere of fear, encourages self-censorship and undermines public confidence in the rule of law. It therefore called for independent, transparent and comprehensive investigations into all reported cases of violence and intimidation against journalists, insisting that those found responsible must face justice.

The NUJ further urged the government to enforce existing laws against arbitrary arrests, censorship and the misuse of security regulations to silence media workers. It called on security agencies to regard journalists as essential partners in democratic governance rather than adversaries, while encouraging media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish safety measures and emergency support systems for reporters, particularly those covering high-risk assignments. The union also appealed to human rights organisations and members of the public to support efforts to create a safer environment for journalists to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation. Emphasising the wider implications of attacks on the media, the NUJ warned that crimes against journalists affect not only individual reporters but also the public’s right to information and the proper functioning of democracy. It declared that no journalist should have to sacrifice 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 highlight violence against media professionals and promote accountability for such crimes.

#UTVAfrica#