Mark Aba, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and other relevant institutions to end impunity for crimes against journalists, urging authorities to ensure that perpetrators of attacks on media professionals are brought to justice.
The union made the call on Monday in a statement issued by its national president, Alhassan Yahya, to mark the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, protecting media practitioners, and seeking justice for journalists who have been harassed, detained, assaulted, or killed in the course of carrying out their professional responsibilities.
It described journalism as a critical pillar of democracy, noting that the media plays an essential role in holding public officials accountable, amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and ensuring citizens have access to accurate and credible information.
However, the union expressed concern over the persistent threats confronting journalists in Nigeria and other parts of the world, including intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, cyberbullying and other forms of violence.
“The failure to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of crimes against journalists undermines democratic values, weakens the rule of law, and encourages further attacks on media professionals.
“Growing culture of impunity could discourage journalists from performing their duties effectively, thereby promoting self-censorship and depriving the public of vital information,” the union warned.
To address the situation, the union urged government institutions and security agencies to conduct thorough, independent and transparent investigations into all reported cases of attacks, harassment and unlawful detention of journalists, ensuring that those responsible, face appropriate legal consequences.
The NUJ also called for stronger enforcement of existing laws and legal safeguards to protect media practitioners against arbitrary arrests, censorship, and administrative abuse under the guise of security regulations.
It further urged law enforcement and security agencies to recognise journalists as essential partners in democratic governance rather than adversaries, stressing the need to respect press freedom as a constitutional right.
The union also advocated stronger collaboration among media organisations, civil society group’s and international partners to establish effective safety measures and emergency support systems for journalists working in high-risk environments.
Reiterating its commitment to 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 duties without fear, intimidation or favour.
It maintained that attacks on journalists should be treated as attacks on democratic governance, warning that allowing perpetrators to escape justice threatens the freedom of society as a whole.
“No journalist should pay with their safety, freedom, or life for reporting the truth,” the statement declared.
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