International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has called for urgent and sustained efforts to protect journalists in Nigeria, as it joined the global community to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2026.
The day, marked annually on May 3, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 to remind governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom and ensure a safe environment for media practice.
In a statement issued through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, IPC said this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” highlights the vital role of a free, independent, and responsible media in promoting peace, democratic governance, and social cohesion.
The centre disclosed that in 2025 alone, it documented at least 23 cases of attacks involving 28 journalists and two media organisations across the country.
According to the report, the incidents ranged from threats to life, abduction, unlawful arrest, intimidation and harassment, to physical assault and, in extreme cases, murder.
A breakdown of the data showed that 23 of the affected journalists were male, three female, while two cases did not indicate gender. By media platform, online outlets recorded the highest number of attacks with 16 cases, followed by broadcast media with 10, while print recorded one.
Commenting on the development, IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, said the increasing threats to journalists remain a major concern, especially at a time when societies are grappling with misinformation, political instability, and shrinking civic space.
He noted that journalism continues to play a critical role in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation, and enabling informed public discourse necessary for sustainable peace and development.
Arogundade, however, warned that harassment, unlawful detention, violent attacks, and killings of journalists not only undermine press freedom but also deny citizens access to credible information.
He therefore called on governments, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the safety of journalists and ensure accountability for crimes against media professionals.
The IPC also urged renewed commitment to constitutional guarantees of press freedom, stronger legal protections, and responsible, ethical journalism, particularly in conflict-sensitive reporting.
It stressed that as the information ecosystem evolves, media practitioners must uphold professionalism, accuracy, and fairness, while leveraging innovation to combat misinformation and hate speech.
As part of activities to mark the day, IPC, with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, launched a publication titled “The Unseen Enablers,” which examines the role of non-state actors in undermining press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
The organisation called on governments, civil society groups, media owners, and the international community to work together towards building a media environment that promotes peace, justice, and inclusive development.
IPC maintained that a peaceful future can only be achieved where the press is free, voices are heard, and truth prevails.
