A Crisis of Silence: The Escalating Threats to Press Freedom in Nigeria
On November 3, the world marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. In response, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a media-focused NGO, released a 129-page report titled “When Protectors Become Predatory: The State Against Freedom of Expression in Nigeria.” This comprehensive analysis reveals a disturbing reality: journalists in Nigeria are facing an unprecedented assault from the very institutions meant to protect them.
Between January and October 2025 alone, the report documents 69 verified cases of attacks, arrests, and harassment—nearly seven incidents per month. These figures represent just the tip of the iceberg, as the report highlights a deeper, more insidious crisis that threatens the foundation of democracy in Africa’s most populous country.
Government Officials as Perpetrators
The most alarming aspect of this crisis is that nearly 74% of these abuses were carried out by government officials, including police officers, who are supposed to safeguard citizens. Police officers, in particular, were responsible for 45% of these incidents, making them the primary culprits. Instead of protecting journalists, they are destroying cameras, abducting reporters in unmarked vans, and using batons to silence those who dare to record the truth.
This pattern of violence has been documented in various incidents across the country. For instance, the Chief Security Officer of the Yobe State Government House, CSP Yakubu Zakari-Deba, recently apologized after mistakenly punching a journalist during a budget presentation. Such actions underscore a culture of impunity that allows law enforcement to act with little fear of consequences.
The Cybercrime Act as a Weapon
In addition to physical attacks, the Cybercrime Act has become a powerful tool used to suppress dissent and stifle free expression. This legislation is often misused to target journalists who challenge the government or expose corruption. The result is a chilling effect on journalism, where fear of legal repercussions leads to self-censorship and a reluctance to report on sensitive issues.
A Culture of Intimidation
Intimidation extends beyond physical violence. Journalists face midnight calls from anonymous numbers, veiled threats to their families, and sudden “invitations” to police stations that often turn into overnight detentions without charge. These tactics are designed to instill fear and discourage independent reporting.
Sexual harassment also plays a significant role in this climate of terror. Female journalists, already navigating a male-dominated field, face additional challenges, including groping and lewd propositions from officers tasked with their protection. MRA’s workshop on the safety of female journalists in Abuja highlighted both gendered and non-gendered attacks, emphasizing how these violations affect both the body and mind of those targeted.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
Journalists have long been defenders of democracy in Nigeria. During military dictatorships, such as those under Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, reporters like Dele Giwa, Godwin Agbroko, and Bagauda Kaltho paid the ultimate price for their courage. Despite this legacy, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu continues to see a rise in attacks on the press.
MRA’s mid-term report shows a 20% increase in attacks since May 2023, with security agencies aggressively applying cybercrime laws to silence critics. Notable cases include the abduction of Segun Olatunji, the editor of FirstNews, and the arrest of Daniel Ojukwu and Madu Onuorah. These incidents highlight a systemic problem where both federal and state governments enable repression.
Legal Frameworks and Institutional Failures
Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights frameworks, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, guarantee freedom of expression. However, these rights are routinely violated, with no accountability for the perpetrators. The lack of prosecution in the 69 documented attacks sends a clear message: impunity reigns supreme.
This environment of fear has led to self-censorship, with journalists avoiding stories on corruption and editors downplaying headlines. Some have even relocated or quit the profession, leading to a talent drain that undermines democracy and the rule of law.
Calls for Action and Resistance
The situation demands immediate action. Nigerian journalists, through organizations such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, must rally against this oppression. Their silence only emboldens attackers, and they should take inspiration from the resilience of American journalists during the Trump administration.
Legal avenues, such as filing suits under the Freedom of Information Act, can help hold perpetrators accountable. Additionally, collective defiance—such as blacklisting hostile officials and pushing for the repeal of draconian clauses in the Cybercrimes Act—can create meaningful change.
The Stakes Are High
A silenced press foreshadows a doomed republic, where corruption thrives unchecked, and the voices of the people are drowned out. President Tinubu, state governors, and law enforcement leaders must take responsibility for protecting journalists and ensuring justice for the victims of these crimes.
History will judge regimes that consume their watchdogs. Journalists deserve better. Let 2026 be the year when no more tales of impunity are told.
