By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to end impunity for crimes against journalists and ensure that perpetrators of attacks on media professionals are brought to justice.
The union made the call on Monday to mark the 2026 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed globally on November 2.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, the NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, protecting media professionals and seeking justice for journalists who have been targeted, harassed, detained or attacked in the course of their duties.
The union expressed concern over the persistent cases of intimidation, unlawful arrests, physical assaults, cyberbullying and unresolved violence against journalists in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
It described journalism as the bedrock of a thriving democracy, noting that the media plays a critical role in holding public officials accountable, giving voice to marginalised communities and safeguarding citizens’ right to accurate information.
According to the NUJ, the failure to prosecute those responsible for crimes against journalists creates an atmosphere of fear, undermines democratic discourse and weakens the rule of law.
“When perpetrators of violence against news creators face no legal consequences, public trust in institutions is eroded, and society at large suffers from suppressed truth and heightened self-censorship,” the statement said.
The union consequently urged relevant authorities to conduct thorough, independent and transparent investigations into all reported cases of harassment, physical attacks and unlawful detention of journalists, insisting that those found culpable must face the full weight of the law.
It also called for the enforcement of existing legal protections against arbitrary arrests, censorship and administrative abuse, particularly where security regulations are allegedly used to intimidate media professionals.
The NUJ further urged law enforcement agencies and security personnel to recognise journalists as essential partners in democratic governance rather than adversaries.
It advocated stronger collaboration between government institutions, media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to establish effective safety measures and emergency support networks for journalists working in high-risk environments.
Reiterating its position on the importance of press freedom, the union declared that attacks on journalists constitute a threat to democratic governance.
“A threat to any journalist anywhere is a threat to democratic governance everywhere,” it stated.
The NUJ also appealed to civil society organisations, human rights groups and members of the public to join the campaign for an environment where journalists can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear or intimidation.
“No journalist should pay with their safety, freedom, or life for reporting the truth,” the union declared.
