NUJ asks government to prosecute those who attack journalists
- The Nigeria Union of Journalists marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on Monday.
- Its president, Alhassan Yahya, urged the government and security agencies to investigate attacks and unlawful detentions of media workers.
- The union warned that unchecked attacks breed fear and self-censorship among reporters.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has asked the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute people who attack, harass or unlawfully detain journalists.
The union made the call on Monday in a statement by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, to mark the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The day is marked every November 2 to draw attention to attacks on media workers and the failure to punish those responsible.
The NUJ said reporters in Nigeria and elsewhere continue to face intimidation, arrests, physical assault and online abuse. It warned that when no one is held responsible, newsrooms begin to police themselves and the public loses a check on those in power.
What the union is asking for
The union wants every reported case of harassment, physical attack or unlawful detention looked into thoroughly, independently and openly, with those found responsible brought to justice.
It also asked the government to enforce existing laws against arbitrary arrest, censorship and the use of security rules to scare media workers. Security agencies, the NUJ said, should treat journalists as essential workers and partners in democracy rather than opponents.
The statement called on media houses, civil society groups and international partners to work together on safety plans and emergency support, especially for reporters covering dangerous assignments. It also urged human rights organisations and the public to back efforts to let journalists work without fear.
In the statement, the union said: “No journalist should pay with their safety, freedom, or life for reporting the truth.”
It also said a threat to any journalist anywhere is a threat to democratic governance everywhere.
The call comes as Nigerian journalists continue to report arrests and assaults on colleagues, though the NUJ statement did not give figures for such cases.
What happens next
The statement does not say whether the union has handed a list of specific cases to the authorities. It is now up to the Federal Government and the security agencies to respond to the demand for investigations and prosecutions.
