The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has called on security agencies to cease using arrests, detention, and intimidation as methods for resolving disputes with journalists. Speaking at a security summit organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed emphasized that democratic societies have sufficient mechanisms to address disagreements between the media and the state. The two-day summit, which began on 18 June, is held in collaboration with the State Security Service (SSS).
Dialogue and Accountability Over Coercion
Mr. Mojeed, who is also the editor-in-chief of PREMIUM TIMES, argued that tensions between journalists and security agencies should be managed through dialogue, professional accountability structures, and judicial processes rather than coercive actions. He noted that conflict often arises from “inadequate communication, mistrust and the failure to utilise existing mechanisms for resolving disagreements.” The first day of the event was attended by security officers and public officials, including Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, a representative of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and a representative of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
National Security and Press Freedom as Complementary
According to Mr. Mojeed, democratic societies must resist framing national security and press freedom as competing interests. He stated that both are essential and mutually reinforcing pillars of good governance. “Security without accountability risks secrecy and abuse, while freedom without security cannot be meaningfully sustained,” he said. He stressed that alternative dispute-resolution channels already exist, including dialogue platforms, self-regulatory processes within the media, professional accountability mechanisms, and the courts. “Alternative dialogue, self-regulatory processes, professional accountability mechanisms and judicial remedies can address disputes more effectively than raids, arrests, detention and intimidation,” he added.
Inevitable Tensions Must Be Managed Responsibly
The veteran journalist acknowledged that tensions between journalists and security agencies are inevitable because both institutions pursue different objectives. However, he argued that the responsibility of democratic institutions is not to eliminate such tensions but to manage them responsibly. “The task before democratic institutions is therefore not to eliminate tension, but to manage it responsibly,” he said. Mr. Mojeed commended the NUJ for convening the summit, describing it as a necessary platform for addressing longstanding concerns over relations between journalists and security agencies in Nigeria. He also pledged IPI Nigeria’s continued support for press freedom while recognizing the importance of national security in sustaining democratic governance.
Press Freedom Violations in Nigeria
According to data from the Press Attack Tracker, a civic technology tool by the Centre for Journalism and Innovation Development (CJID), at least 412 attacks were reported against journalists and media houses in Nigeria between 2023 and early 2026. In 2025 alone, 15 press attacks have been documented. The country ranked 112th in the World Press Freedom Index, with a global score of 46.81, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). These attacks were carried out mostly by security agents, public officials, and other actors, including thugs.
IPI Blacklists Governors and Former Police Chief
Against this backdrop, IPI Nigeria blacklisted two governors and the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for violations of press freedom and democratic norms. The IPI unveiled the “Book of Infamy,” naming Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Mr. Egbetokun, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for their roles in press crackdowns in 2025. Mr. Bago was blacklisted following his order to close Badegi 90.1 FM, the detention of a People’s Daily correspondent, and the reported assault of a Voice of America journalist by one of his commissioners. Governor Eno was cited for media repression after he barred Channels TV reporters from the state’s press centre in response to their report on his undemocratic comments. Mr. Egbetokun was blacklisted for overseeing a culture of impunity within the police force, specifically regarding frequent harassment and assault of journalists by officers.
