*By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna*
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has raised alarm that security agencies, including the police, military, and intelligence services, have become the biggest threat to the media in Nigeria.
In its 2024 report titled *”The State of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Nigeria”*, MRA revealed that security forces were responsible for 45 out of 69 documented attacks on journalists between January and October 2024, representing 65% of total assaults. This marks a significant increase from previous years.
MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, criticized security agencies for abusing their power. He said, *”It is ironic that the very institutions responsible for upholding the law are now instruments of oppression against the media.”*
The report documented 21 cases of assaults, 17 arrests, and 8 threats to journalists in 2024. Other attackers included government officials, courts, thugs, and unknown gunmen.
Despite these attacks, Gbadamosi noted a positive shift, particularly the court-mandated end of fines imposed on broadcast stations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), following court rulings in 2023 and 2024.
MRA also highlighted progress in the investigation into the death of journalist Pelumi Onifade, who was allegedly killed by police during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
However, the report emphasized that the threat to journalists remains high, urging the Nigerian government to strengthen its legal framework to protect media freedom and ensure accountability for attacks on journalists.
*“Without meaningful action, the cycle of violence and impunity will continue to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and the public’s right to information,”* Gbadamosi concluded.
