◾Union calls for prosecution of attackers, stronger legal protection and safer working environment for media professionals
)By Eze Adiuku
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and other relevant institutions to take decisive action against perpetrators of crimes targeting journalists, warning that continued impunity threatens press freedom and democratic governance.
The Union made the call on Monday, November 2, 2026, to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed globally to draw attention to attacks on media professionals and the need to ensure justice for victims.
In a press statement issued from its National Secretariat in Abuja, the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to defending press freedom, protecting journalists and seeking justice for media professionals who suffer harassment, intimidation, unlawful detention or physical attacks in the course of their duties.
The Union noted that journalism remains fundamental to democratic governance, as it holds those in authority accountable, amplifies the voices of marginalised communities and safeguards the public’s right to accurate information.
However, it expressed concern that journalists in Nigeria and other parts of the world continue to face systemic intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, cyberbullying and other forms of violence while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
According to the NUJ, the failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on journalists creates an atmosphere of fear, encourages self-censorship and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law.
To address the situation, the Union urged government authorities and security agencies to ensure thorough, independent and transparent investigations into reported cases of attacks, harassment and unlawful detention of journalists, with perpetrators brought to justice.
It also called for the effective enforcement of existing legal provisions protecting media professionals against arbitrary arrests, censorship and administrative abuse, particularly under the guise of security regulations.
The NUJ further urged law enforcement and security agencies to recognise journalists as essential partners in democratic development rather than adversaries, stressing the need to respect press freedom as a constitutional right.
The Union also advocated collaboration among media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish effective safety measures and emergency support networks for journalists working in high-risk environments.
Reiterating its position on the importance of press freedom, the NUJ called on human rights organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to join the campaign for an environment where journalists can discharge their responsibilities without fear or intimidation.
It stressed that attacks on journalists constitute a threat to democratic governance, insisting that no media professional should lose their freedom, safety or life for reporting the truth.
The statement was signed by Comrade Alhassan Yahya, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
