SERAP, NGE demand protection for journalists, end to insecurity

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the administration of Bola Tinubu, state governors, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to urgently safeguard press freedom and address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly across northern states.

In a joint statement issued ahead of World Press Freedom Day, jointly signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh.

The groups warned that the continued erosion of independent journalism is fuelling governance failures, human rights abuses, and rising violence in states such as Benue State, Plateau State, Borno State, Sokoto State, and Kwara State.

The organisations stressed that protecting journalists and ensuring access to credible information are critical to national security, peacebuilding, and democratic stability.

According to them, “any credible peace and recovery strategy must integrate information integrity and support for a free, independent, and pluralistic media.”

SERAP and NGE expressed deep concern over what they described as the “scale and persistence” of killings, abductions, sexual violence, and forced displacement in affected regions.

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They noted that thousands have been killed and millions displaced, with rural communities bearing the brunt of attacks and widespread abuses against women and children.

The groups argued that weakening journalism through intimidation and impunity enables corruption, reduces accountability, and allows misinformation to thrive.

“In such environments, information violence often precedes physical violence,” the statement noted, warning that the trend is eroding public trust in government institutions.

Referencing Nigeria’s legal obligations, the organisations said the situation constitutes serious breaches of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

They emphasised that authorities have a duty not only to respect press freedom but also to actively protect journalists and create a safe environment for reporting.

The statement also highlighted the theme of the 2026 conference by UNESCO, “Shaping a Future of Peace,” noting that media freedom is central to achieving peace, security, and sustainable development.

SERAP and NGE accused authorities of failing to prevent foreseeable harm, investigate crimes, and bring perpetrators to justice.

They warned that the persistence of impunity continues to deepen Nigeria’s governance crisis and humanitarian challenges, leaving victims without adequate remedies.

To address the situation, the groups urged the federal and state governments to take concrete steps, including guaranteeing freedom of expression, protecting journalists, strengthening intelligence-led security measures, and ensuring transparent investigations into human rights violations.

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They also called for the prosecution of perpetrators and their sponsors, improved accountability in security operations, and the establishment of systems to document and respond to incidents.

The organisations further recommended the creation of early-warning mechanisms for at-risk communities and a public registry to track insecurity and government responses, aimed at strengthening oversight and rebuilding citizen trust.

In addition, SERAP and NGE urged Nigerian authorities to invite special rapporteurs from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to conduct independent fact-finding missions into the crisis.

They also called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers by convening a public hearing on insecurity and attacks on journalists, focusing on the role of security agencies and regulatory bodies in protecting media freedom.

The international community, they said, must intensify pressure on Nigerian authorities to end insecurity and ensure accountability while supporting efforts to protect journalists and safeguard civic space.