As Nigeria heads to the 2027 polls, media professionals and the police have called for stronger measures to protect journalists covering elections.
The call was made on Monday at a symposium organized by the Media Centre for Promotion of Safety Awareness in Lagos, themed “Election Safety: Reporting Without Being a Casualty,” to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
Guest speaker, Ugo Onuoha, said impunity persists because some individuals benefit from attacks on journalists targeted for reporting truth about government and private sector activities.
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He urged media organizations to intentionally train reporters, provide safety equipment, maintain contact with security agencies to identify flashpoints, and not deploy journalists casually without adequate preparation.
Onuoha stressed self-preservation, advising journalists to avoid traveling alone to volatile events, wear comfortable clothing, adopt digital safety measures like backing up files, removing sensitive data, using encrypted channels and PIN locks, and to monitor their physical and psychological well-being.
At a panel session, a police representative ASP Muhammed described security agencies as partners in progress, urging journalists to familiarise themselves with terrains, maintain neutrality, and move closer to security personnel when tension arises.
Deputy PPRO, Lagos Command, Adeola Olufemi, said police have maintained partnerships with the media and urged journalists to be observant and heed operational advice.
A former NAWOJ Chairperson, Adeola Ekhine, also urged alertness: “Listen up, look around and be sure of your safety.”
Other panellists emphasized safety kits, comfortable clothing and first-aid kits for high-risk assignments.
The convener of the event, Chinyere Amaechi, recalled harassment of journalists during the 2023 elections with no arrests made, describing it as impunity.
The concerns align with UNESCO’s 2026 Report, which recorded 189 journalists killed in 2024/2025, 67% in conflict zones.
The 2026 global campaign marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is themed “Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures.”
