The Media Rights Agenda has documented a significant number of attacks on journalists, media organizations, and citizens in Nigeria, according to its 2025 Annual Report on Freedom of Expression. The report, titled “The Reign of Impunity,” reveals that 86 incidents were recorded across the country, with the Nigeria Police Force being the primary perpetrator, responsible for 41 incidents, which accounts for nearly 48% of all documented attacks.
The report also highlights the role of the Department of State Services, which accounted for about 7% of the cases, bringing the combined responsibility of the two agencies to over 50% of all violations recorded. The incidents occurred across 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory recording the highest number of attacks, with 16 and 14 incidents respectively.
The report notes that none of the incidents resulted in successful investigation or prosecution, even in cases where the actions amounted to criminal offenses. Arrests and detentions were the most common form of attack on media freedom, while suppression of freedom of expression accounted for 38 cases, representing over 44% of all incidents recorded. Physical assault and battery were also common, with 21 cases documented, making up more than 24% of the total incidents.
The report also recorded two killings, including that of a journalist killed in the line of duty and a woman murdered over alleged blasphemy. Other grave violations included one case of kidnapping and the shutdown of a media outlet. The report highlights emerging trends, including the continued use of the Cybercrimes Act against journalists and the use of digital surveillance tools and spyware to monitor media practitioners.
The Media Rights Agenda’s Executive Director, Edetaen Ojo, emphasized that the persistent culture of impunity poses a significant threat to media freedom in Nigeria, emboldening perpetrators and fostering fear and self-censorship within the media community. He urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt, transparent investigations into all attacks against journalists and citizens and to make the outcomes public. Ojo also called on the government to direct security agencies to refrain from harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests of journalists and citizens exercising their right to freedom of expression. The establishment of a national mechanism for the safety of journalists is also recommended, in line with the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists.
