A Crisis of Silence: The State’s War on Nigerian Journalists
On November 3, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, a report from the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria. Titled “When Protectors Become Predatory: The State Against Freedom of Expression in Nigeria,” the 129-page document highlights a disturbing trend of attacks, arrests, and harassment against media professionals.
Between January and October 2025, the MRA documented 69 verified cases of abuse, averaging nearly seven incidents per month. These figures only scratch the surface of a deeper crisis, where government officials—specifically police officers—are responsible for 45% of these abuses. This alarming pattern reveals a systemic problem where those entrusted with protecting citizens are instead silencing the press.
The Role of Government Officials in Suppressing Journalism
The report underscores that over 74% of the abuses were committed by government entities, indicating a coordinated effort to stifle free expression. Police officers, who should be guardians of public safety, have been seen destroying cameras, abducting reporters, and using batons to suppress dissent. This has led to a climate of fear, where journalists face not just physical threats but also psychological intimidation.
In one notable incident, the Chief Security Officer of the Yobe State Government House apologized after mistakenly punching a journalist during a budget presentation. Such events highlight the lack of accountability and the need for reform within law enforcement.
The Cybercrime Act as a Tool of Suppression
The Cybercrime Act has emerged as a potent weapon against media freedom, enabling authorities to silence dissenting voices. This legislation is often used to target journalists, further exacerbating the climate of fear. The report emphasizes that this calculated campaign is driven by the desire to protect entrenched power structures from scrutiny.
Ayode Longe, Deputy Executive Director of MRA, stated that journalists in Nigeria are increasingly under siege, not just from criminals but from state institutions meant to protect them. This sentiment is echoed by the experiences of journalists during anti-government protests, where 56 were harassed in August alone.
Intimidation Tactics and Gendered Violence
Intimidation takes many forms, including midnight calls from anonymous numbers, veiled threats to families, and sudden detentions without charges. For female journalists, the dangers are compounded by sexual harassment, a gendered form of violence that targets them in a male-dominated field.
MRA’s workshop on the safety of female journalists highlighted the prevalence of both gendered and non-gendered attacks, emphasizing the psychological toll on those who report the news. The report also notes that police frequently smash equipment during routine coverage, effectively silencing journalists before their stories can be told.
The Impact on Journalism and Democracy
The Press Attack Tracker Africa recorded 20 such incidents in Nigeria from January to April 2025, illustrating the pervasive nature of the problem. One harrowing case involved a Lagos freelancer beaten unconscious while filming a protest raid, with his camera confiscated by police. These actions are deliberate attempts to instill fear and prevent the truth from being told.
Journalists have long played a crucial role in defending democracy, especially during periods of military rule. Figures like Dele Giwa and Godwin Agbroko paid the ultimate price for their work, highlighting the risks faced by those who challenge autocracy. Yet, in 2025, under President Bola Tinubu, the crackdown on the press continues.
A Legacy of Repression
The current situation echoes the oppressive tactics of past regimes, where the press was viewed as an enemy. Despite constitutional guarantees of free expression, the reality for journalists in Nigeria is far from ideal. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has ratified, affirms the right to free expression, yet these rights are routinely trampled upon.
The consequences of this repression are severe. Fear leads to self-censorship, undermining the very essence of journalism. Reporters avoid covering corruption, editors downplay headlines, and some journalists relocate or quit altogether. This talent drain threatens the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.
The Need for Collective Action
The report calls for a unified response from Nigerian journalists and media organizations. The Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, and other groups must take a stand rather than remain silent. They can draw inspiration from the American press, which defied attempts to silence it during the Trump administration.
Legal action is also essential. Journalists should file suits under the Freedom of Information Act, demand compensation for assaults, and hold perpetrators accountable. Additionally, collective defiance, such as blacklisting hostile government officials, could help shift the balance of power.
A Call for Change
The media, in partnership with civil society, must push for the repeal of draconian clauses in the Cybercrimes Act. An attack on journalists is an attack on the people they serve, and a silenced press signals a doomed republic.
Tinubu, state governors, and the Inspector-General of Police must take immediate steps to rein in law enforcement, ensure accountability, and protect journalists. History will judge those who allow their watchdogs to be consumed.
As 2026 begins, the hope is that no more tales of impunity will be told. Let this be the year when journalists are finally protected, and the truth is allowed to shine through.