NUJ Demands Justice for Journalists, Calls for Probe of Attacks
By Comfort Pius, Jos
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of attacks against journalists, warning that impunity threatens press freedom and democratic governance in Nigeria.
The union made the call in a statement issued by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, on Monday, November 2, 2026, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, protecting media professionals and seeking justice for journalists who are targeted, harassed, detained or harmed in the course of their duties.
It noted that journalism remained a critical pillar of democracy, providing citizens with accurate information, holding public officials accountable and giving voice to marginalised groups.
However, the union expressed concern that journalists in Nigeria and other parts of the world continued to face intimidation, unlawful arrests, physical assaults, cyberbullying and violence without adequate accountability.
According to the statement, the failure to punish perpetrators of crimes against journalists creates a climate of fear that undermines democratic discourse, weakens the rule of law and encourages self-censorship among media professionals.
The NUJ stressed that when those responsible for attacks against journalists escape justice, public confidence in institutions is eroded, while society suffers from the suppression of truth and the restriction of access to information.
To address the situation, the union urged government institutions and security agencies to conduct thorough, independent and transparent investigations into reported cases of harassment, physical attacks and unlawful detention involving journalists.
It also called for the enforcement of existing legal protections and the strengthening of frameworks to shield media professionals from arbitrary arrests, censorship and administrative abuse under the guise of security regulations.
The union further urged law enforcement and security personnel to recognise journalists as essential partners in democratic governance rather than adversaries, stressing the need to respect press freedom as a constitutional right.
It called for greater collaboration among media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish effective safety protocols and emergency support systems for journalists working in high-risk environments.
The NUJ also appealed to human rights organisations and members of the public to join the campaign for an environment in which journalists could carry out their professional responsibilities freely and without fear or favour.
The union maintained that threats against journalists were threats to democratic governance, emphasising that media professionals should not face violence or intimidation for reporting matters of public interest.
“No journalist should pay with their safety, freedom, or life for reporting the truth,” the statement declared.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed annually on November 2 to draw attention to attacks against media professionals and the need to ensure accountability for crimes committed against them.
