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• November 3, 2025
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Security agencies behind most attacks on journalists in Nigeria — MRA report

Security forces and government officials are responsible for most of the attacks, harassment, and intimidation faced by journalists in Nigeria, according to a new report by Media Rights Agenda (MRA). The 129-page report, titled “When Protectors Become Predators: The State against Freedom of Expression in Nigeria,” was released on Monday to mark the International Day
Security agencies behind most attacks on journalists in Nigeria — MRA report

Security forces and government officials are responsible for most of the attacks, harassment, and intimidation faced by journalists in Nigeria, according to a new report by Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

The 129-page report, titled “When Protectors Become Predators: The State against Freedom of Expression in Nigeria,” was released on Monday to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. It covers violations recorded between January 1 and October 31, 2025.

MRA reports that government actors are responsible for almost 74% of all recorded abuses against journalists during this time. The Nigeria Police Force, which represents 45% of the incidences involved, was the single-largest perpetrator of violations of media rights.

Other offenders mentioned in the report include the Department of State Services (DSS); the military; paramilitary agencies; and elected officials at the federal and state level.

MRA reported at least 69 incidents involving journalists carrying out their work that included arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, physical assaults, threats to life, raids on journalists’ offices, kidnappings, and other intimidation tactics.

“The report shows that journalists in Nigeria are increasingly under siege, not just from criminals and insurgents, but from the very state institutions meant to protect them,” said Ayode Longe, MRA’s Deputy Executive Director.

He described the trend as “a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law,” warning that it contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional and international commitments to protect press freedom and the public’s right to information.

Additionally the report stated, that the lack of investigation or prosecution of offenders has created an unspoken policy of impunity, broken trust in the institutions of governance, and led to self-censorship amongst journalists. MRA reminded the authorities that the protection of journalists is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The organization urged the Federal government to hold violators accountable, reform security and law enforcement agencies, and to cease the misuse of laws such as the Cybercrime Act to attack the press.

It also urged the National Assembly to pass a law that criminalises attacks on journalists and asked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to curb the abuse of court processes used to intimidate media professionals.

Security agencies behind most attacks on journalists in Nigeria — MRA report

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PDP crisis: I’ll work with everyone – Factional Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman

The factional Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mohammed Abdulrahman, on Monday vowed to party makes progress in the shortest possible time. Abdulrahman said under his leadership, the PDP will be returned to the people, stressing that Nigerians still believe in the party. Speaking at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the
PDP crisis: I’ll work with everyone – Factional Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman

The factional Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mohammed Abdulrahman, on Monday vowed to party makes progress in the shortest possible time.

Abdulrahman said under his leadership, the PDP will be returned to the people, stressing that Nigerians still believe in the party.

Speaking at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the acting national chairman vowed to carry all members along.

He said: “We can put our heads together to bring this party to where it belongs to, we all know that the slogan of the PDP is power to the people. Under my leadership as acting National chairman of our great party, I will do everything possible to make sure that each and everyone understands why it’s very important to put our house together for the progress of this our great party and Nigeria at large.

“We all know that the electorates are looking up to our party because this is the only party that has hope and under my leadership we are going to bring the party back to its people.

“We are all aware of the current issues surrounding the party and for the past eight years, we all know the current challenges we have been facing.

“Under my leadership from the ward to the state chapters to zones and national must be in line with the constitution of the party to make sure that every member is carried along.

“This is not a time to blame each other but a time for all of us to come together for the progress of this party because we don’t have any political party more than the PDP. I will work with my team and the party to make sure that we reach where we are supposed to reach within a short period of time.”

PDP crisis: I’ll work with everyone – Factional Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman

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‘Over 15,000 lives lost’ – ADC blames Tinubu for Trump’s military threat against Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has reacted to the designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” by US President Donald Trump. This is even as ADC blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening insecurity and weakening Nigeria’s global standing. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday,
‘Over 15,000 lives lost’ – ADC blames Tinubu for Trump’s military threat against Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has reacted to the designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” by US President Donald Trump.

This is even as ADC blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening insecurity and weakening Nigeria’s global standing.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday, the party said thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity under Tinubu’s watch, describing the situation as a national tragedy that transcends tribe, religion, or region.

“The statement by President Trump reminds us of the greater global concern about the sanctity of human life and the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens,” the ADC said. “Sadly, it is in this most sacred mandate that the Tinubu administration has failed most.”

According to the party, over 15,000 people have been killed in violent incidents since the President took office in 2023, with attacks spreading across the country.

The ADC cited the October 31 attack in Kwara State by JNIM, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, as evidence that terrorism has expanded from the northern regions toward the south.

“The crisis we face is not about any ethnic or religious group being targeted; it is an existential crisis that endangers all Nigerians,” the statement said. “The Tinubu government has refused to acknowledge that the situation has worsened, and instead offers excuses and political posturing.”

The party also accused the administration of neglecting Nigeria’s diplomatic and foreign policy responsibilities, including the failure to appoint ambassadors to key countries more than two years into its tenure. It said this neglect has eroded Nigeria’s influence within ECOWAS and the African continent.

“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria has declined both as a continental and regional leader,” the ADC said. “A region that once looked up to us for leadership now watches us fumble with our own domestic crises.”

The party recommended an overhaul of the country’s security apparatus, the immediate appointment of ambassadors, and a foreign policy reset focused on national interests rather than “personal promotion.” It also called for economic reforms aimed at stabilizing prices and improving welfare for citizens.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by Trump and other world leaders, the ADC cautioned against foreign military intervention, warning that such action could harm Nigeria’s democratic development and stability.

“We appreciate the concern of the American president and other world leaders. However, mobilizing armed troops or even threatening to do so would be counterproductive. Nigeria is not beyond saving, but time is running out. We must act now with courage and commitment to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.”

‘Over 15,000 lives lost’ – ADC blames Tinubu for Trump’s military threat against Nigeria