By: Julie Ekong
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against journalists in the country.
The union says the persistent harassment, unlawful arrests, physical attacks and intimidation of media professionals pose a serious threat to press freedom and democratic governance.
NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya, made the call in a statement to mark the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed every November 2.
He expressed concern that journalists in Nigeria and other parts of the world continue to face threats, cyberbullying, detention and violence while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Yahya noted that failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on journalists encourages further violations and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
He urged relevant authorities to ensure independent and transparent investigations into reported cases of attacks, harassment and unlawful detention of media practitioners, with a view to bringing offenders to justice.
The NUJ President also called for stronger legal safeguards against arbitrary arrests, censorship and the misuse of security regulations to intimidate journalists.
He urged security agencies to recognise journalists as partners in democratic development and respect their constitutional responsibility to inform the public.
The union further advocated collaboration among government institutions, media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish effective safety measures and emergency support systems for journalists working in high-risk environments.
Yahya called on human rights organisations and members of the public to support efforts towards creating a safe working environment for media professionals.
He stressed that no journalist should lose their freedom, safety or life for reporting the truth, adding that attacks on journalists undermine the foundations of democratic governance.(Radio Nigeria)
