By Palang Paul
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks, harassment and unlawful detention of journalists, warning that impunity threatens press freedom and democratic accountability.
The union made the demand in a statement issued on Monday by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, to mark the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The NUJ expressed concern over persistent intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, cyberbullying and other forms of violence against journalists in Nigeria and across the world.
It urged the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to ensure that perpetrators of crimes against media professionals are held accountable.
The union also called for stronger legal protections for journalists and urged security agencies to respect press freedom as a constitutional right.
According to the NUJ, the failure to punish those responsible for attacks on journalists creates an atmosphere of fear, encourages self-censorship and weakens democratic institutions.
“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 warned that impunity for crimes against journalists undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust in institutions and discourages independent reporting.
It called for all reported cases of harassment, physical attacks and unlawful detention of journalists to be investigated thoroughly, independently and transparently.
The NUJ further urged authorities to enforce existing laws and protections against arbitrary arrests, censorship and the misuse of security regulations to intimidate media workers.
It stressed that journalists should be recognised as essential partners in democratic governance rather than treated as adversaries by security agencies.
The union also called on media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish stronger safety protocols and emergency support networks, particularly for reporters working in high-risk environments.
It urged human rights organisations and members of the public to support efforts to create an environment where journalists can carry out their professional responsibilities without fear, harassment or intimidation.
The NUJ said threats and attacks against journalists extend beyond the individual victims, warning that such violations also threaten the public’s right to information and the ability of citizens to hold those in power accountable.
“A threat to any journalist anywhere is a threat to democratic governance everywhere,” the union said.
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 observed annually on November 2 to draw attention to attacks on media professionals and the need to ensure accountability for crimes committed against them.
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