By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on all arms of government and security agencies to guarantee legal protection and safety for journalists in the country.
In a statement to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists marked on November 2, the NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya, urged authorities to respect press freedom as a constitutional right.
Yahya called for thorough, independent and transparent investigation and prosecution of all reported cases of harassment, physical attacks and unlawful detentions targeting journalists.
He also urged government to enforce legislative frameworks that safeguard media professionals from arbitrary arrests, censorship and administrative abuse under the guise of security regulations.
The union further called for collaboration with media organisations, civil society and international partners to establish effective safety protocols and emergency support networks for reporters in high-risk environments.
Yahya stressed that law enforcement agencies should recognise journalists as essential workers and democratic partners rather than adversaries, adding that a threat to any journalist anywhere is a threat to democratic governance everywhere.
