By NAN
A COMPREHENSIVE report by the International Press Centre and the Safety and Protection of Journalists ((IPC-SPJ) Hub has revealed that reported cases of attacks on journalists rose to 45 in 2024 with 70 journalists and three media outlets in Nigeria affected.
The report was released to commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, with the theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom and the Media”.
The IPC-SPJ Hub, which serves as the safety and protection arm of the International Press Centre, Lagos, underscored the critical need for enhanced protection mechanisms for journalists.
According to the report, male journalists accounted for 40 of the victims attacked, while five were female journalists.
The report noted that the genders of 25 other affected journalists were not specified in the documented cases.
The findings identified security operatives as the most frequent perpetrators, accounting for 28 incidents.
“Other alleged perpetrators include six unknown persons/gunmen, five hoodlums/thugs, two armed robbers, one anti-protester, one armed youth, a bandit and a private security guard.
According to the report notably, more than 50 per cent of the attacks on journalists and media outlets were linked to duty bearers and carried out by security personnel, highlighting a pressing concern for press freedom in Nigeria.
The report provided a detailed breakdown of the media outlets affected, with 10 incidents involving print media, 18 involving broadcast media, and 25 involving online media.
However, the type of media outlets was not specified in 17 cases.
“Journalists in Nigeria face a myriad of safety and security challenges, including unlawful arrest, abduction, invasion of premises, physical assault leading to injuries and prolonged detention.
“Other issues include robbery attacks, harassment and intimidation, gunshot injuries, confiscation of personal belongings and working equipment, vandalisation, murder, threat to life, disruption of live programmes, and being barred from covering public proceedings among others.
“To mitigate these risks and enhance journalist safety, the IPC-SPJ hub recommends inter-agency collaboration among media professional bodies,” the report stated.
The report also advocated for regular safety training for journalists covering ethics, media laws, conflict-sensitive journalism, risk analysis, and secured communications using AI tools.
Furthermore, the hub recommended the provision of psycho-social support and legal assistance for affected journalists as well as strengthening of media advocacy bodies, and regular engagement with government and security agencies on press freedom concerns.
The report further stressed the need for dialogues with media executives on providing safety equipment and emergency funds for journalists under attack.
It also emphasised the need for improved synergy between media NGOs and professional groups.
It highlighted the need for advocacy actions such as monitoring attacks, dialogues with security forces, media law reform, and campaigns promoting safety.
The report also emphasised the need for collaborations with international partners on safety resources for journalists and decision-makers, underscoring the importance of a multi-faceted approach to promoting press freedom and journalist safety in Nigeria.
(NAN)
