Adebayo Adenrele
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub has expressed concern over the increasing risks faced by journalists, noting that harassment, unlawful detention and violent attacks not only threaten press freedom but also undermine citizens’ right to access credible information.
The Executive Director of the Centre, Lanre Arogundade stated this in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Centre’s Press Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2026.
He urged governments, security agencies and other stakeholders to prioritise the safety of media professionals and ensure accountability for crimes against them.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace”, Arogundade noted that the annual observance, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993, serves as a reminder to governments worldwide to uphold their commitments to press freedom and provide a safe and enabling environment for journalism.
According to him, a free, independent, and responsible media remains critical to fostering peace, strengthening democratic governance and promoting social cohesion.
The organisation disclosed that its SPJ Hub documented at least 23 cases of attacks involving 28 journalists and two media organisations in 2025, adding that the violations ranged from threats to life, unlawful arrests, abductions and harassment to physical assault and killings.
The report further showed that male journalists were the most affected, while online platforms recorded the highest number of attacks, followed by broadcast and print media.
Arogundade said the role of the media as a pillar of truth and accountability has become even more crucial amid global challenges such as conflicts, misinformation and shrinking civic space.
He emphasised that journalism plays a vital role in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation and enabling informed public discourse necessary for sustainable peace and development.
As part of activities marking the day, the centre, 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 in Nigeria.
The report highlights how these actors contribute to restrictions on access to information and the dissemination of news, while calling for greater awareness and joint action to address the challenges.
