The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the Nigerian government at all levels to take urgent steps to protect journalists and address the deepening insecurity affecting several parts of northern Nigeria.
The call was made during a conference and interactive session held to mark World Press Freedom Day, where stakeholders discussed the role of the media in promoting accountability, human rights, and access to justice.
In a joint statement, both organisations highlighted the critical role of journalism in maintaining peace and democratic stability, stressing that media freedom must be protected as part of any meaningful response to insecurity.
“protecting journalists and safeguarding information integrity are central drivers of peace, security, and democratic stability.”
They argued that efforts to restore peace must go beyond security responses to include strong support for independent and pluralistic media systems.
“any credible peace, recovery, or security strategy in Nigeria must integrate support for free, independent, and pluralistic media alongside humanitarian, institutional, and economic responses.”
The groups expressed deep concern over the scale of violence across affected regions, pointing to widespread killings, abductions, sexual violence, and forced displacement, particularly impacting vulnerable communities.
“these patterns reflect systemic failures to prevent foreseeable harm, protect communities, investigate violations, prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims,”
They warned that continued impunity is worsening the situation and undermining trust in governance structures.
“the persistence of impunity continues to erode public trust and weaken democratic governance.”
According to the organisations, protecting journalists is not just about press freedom but is essential to addressing insecurity and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
“protecting journalists in Nigeria is therefore not a peripheral issue but a core requirement for addressing insecurity and advancing democratic governance.”
They called on federal and state authorities, as well as the Federal Capital Territory administration, to uphold constitutional and international obligations by ensuring press freedom, protecting civic space, and guaranteeing justice for victims of human rights violations.
The groups also recommended the establishment of public reporting systems, improved transparency in security operations, and independent investigations into abuses, alongside stronger oversight by the National Assembly.
In addition, they urged Nigeria to invite international human rights bodies for independent assessments and called on the global community to intensify pressure for accountability and reform.
At the event, human rights lawyer Femi Falana underscored the consequences of inaction, warning that failure to hold perpetrators accountable fuels further violence.
“Entire communities are being destroyed in several parts of the north while perpetrators operate with little or no consequences. Impunity is not just a failure of justice—it is a driver of further violence.”
He added that accountability is central to governance and stability.
“any government that cannot protect its people—or refuses to hold perpetrators accountable—undermines its own legitimacy,”
Falana also highlighted the importance of journalists in exposing wrongdoing and strengthening democratic systems.
“are not the enemy of the State—they are essential partners in exposing abuse, preventing violence, and strengthening democracy.”
Participants at the session, including media professionals and civil society actors, expressed commitment to advancing the recommendations discussed, with a focus on strengthening media freedom and improving accountability mechanisms in Nigeria.
