The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of attacks, harassment and unlawful detention of journalists across the country.
The union made the call on Monday, November 2, 2026, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, while raising concerns over persistent threats to press freedom and the safety of media professionals.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, the NUJ said journalists continued to face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, cyberbullying and other forms of violence for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The union warned that failure to punish perpetrators of crimes against journalists undermines democracy, weakens the rule of law and encourages self-censorship, thereby denying citizens access to accurate and independent information.
It stressed that journalism remains essential to democratic governance through its role in holding public officials accountable, amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and informing the public.
The NUJ therefore urged relevant authorities to ensure independent and transparent investigations into unresolved cases of attacks and harassment against journalists, insisting that those responsible must face justice.
It also called for stronger legal protections against arbitrary arrests, censorship and administrative intimidation, while urging security agencies to recognise journalists as partners in democratic development rather than adversaries.
The union further advocated collaboration among media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish effective safety measures and emergency support systems for journalists working in high-risk environments.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and the protection of media professionals, the NUJ called on citizens, human rights organisations and civil society groups to support efforts to end violence against journalists.
It warned that threats against journalists pose a broader danger to democratic governance, declaring that no journalist should lose their safety, freedom or life for reporting the truth.
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