The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for decisive action against individuals responsible for attacking, intimidating and unlawfully detaining journalists across the country.
The union urged the Federal Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to investigate such incidents and prosecute offenders, while ensuring better protection for media practitioners.
The NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, made the appeal in a statement on Monday to mark the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
Yahya expressed concern over the growing cases of violence, harassment, arbitrary arrests and online abuse targeting journalists in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
He warned that allowing such offences to go unpunished could discourage journalists from carrying out their duties freely and weaken democratic accountability.
“Journalism remains the bedrock of any thriving democracy. It holds the powerful accountable, gives voice to the marginalised, and ensures the public’s fundamental right to accurate information,” the statement said.
The union stressed that attacks on journalists without consequences could threaten democratic values and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
“The impunity that surrounds crimes committed against journalists creates a chilling effect on democratic discourse and weakens the rule of law,” it said.
The NUJ called for independent and transparent investigations into reported cases of violence, intimidation and unlawful detention involving journalists, insisting that offenders must be held accountable.
It also urged authorities to implement existing laws protecting media workers from arbitrary detention, censorship and the misuse of security regulations.
The union further appealed to security agencies to recognise journalists as important contributors to democracy and not treat them as enemies.
It called on media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to develop effective safety measures and emergency support systems for journalists operating in dangerous environments.
The NUJ also urged the public and human rights organisations to support efforts to create a safer working environment for media professionals.
Reaffirming its position, the union stated, “A threat to any journalist anywhere is a threat to democratic governance everywhere.”
It added, “No journalist should pay with their safety, freedom, or life for reporting the truth.”
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is marked annually on November 2 to highlight attacks against journalists and demand accountability for those responsible.
