Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has released its 2025 Annual Report on Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, documenting 86 incidents of attacks and violations against journalists, media organisations and citizens across the Country.
The 147 page report, entitled The Reign of Impunity, said the cases were recorded in 27 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with no incident leading to a successful investigation or prosecution, even where criminal offences were involved.
MRA said arrests and detentions remained the most common method of suppressing free expression, with 38 cases, accounting for more than 44 percent of all documented attacks.
The report also recorded 21 cases of assault and battery, representing over 24 percent, making physical violence the second highest form of attack.
It further documented two killings, including a journalist killed in the line of duty and a woman murdered over alleged blasphemy. One case of kidnapping and the shutdown of a media outlet were also reported.
According to the report, the Nigeria Police Force was the worst offender, responsible for 41 incidents, nearly 48 percent of the total. The Department of State Services followed, accounting for about seven percent, with both agencies contributing more than half of all violations recorded.
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Lagos and Abuja recorded the highest number of incidents, with 16 and 14 cases respectively.
MRA noted emerging patterns such as the continued use of the Cybercrimes Act to target journalists and government critics, alongside the deployment of digital surveillance tools and spyware to track media practitioners.
The organisation also accused security agencies of failing to intervene in attacks by non state actors and participating in the suppression of peaceful protests, where journalists were frequently targeted while reporting.
In a preface to the report, Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director at MRA, said the media environment remained challenged by political, legal, economic and social pressures, including shrinking civic space and worsening digital threats.
Ojo warned that a culture of impunity continues to embolden perpetrators and deepen fear and self censorship within the media community.
MRA called on the Federal Government to ensure prompt and transparent investigations into attacks against journalists and citizens, and to make outcomes public.
It also urged authorities to prohibit harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests of journalists and citizens, especially for peaceful online expression.
The organisation recommended that the government establish a national mechanism for the safety and protection of journalists in line with the UN Plan of Action, including early warning systems and rapid response protocols.
