A recent report by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has identified law enforcement and security agencies such as the police, military, and intelligence services as the principal aggressors against the media in Nigeria, with these groups accounting for the majority of journalist attacks in 2024.

The comprehensive 137-page report, titled “Media Freedom Under Threat: The State of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Nigeria 2024”, revealed that in 2022, security agencies were responsible for 29 out of 64 recorded attacks on journalists, representing nearly 45% of the total.

The situation worsened in 2023, when these agencies were involved in 34 out of 77 incidents, making up around 44% of the attacks.

However, 2024 has seen a notable escalation, with security agencies being implicated in 45 of the 69 attacks between January and October, which accounts for approximately 65% of all recorded incidents.

John Gbadamosi, MRA’s Programme Officer, expressed concern about this troubling trend, stating, “It is ironic that those entrusted with upholding the law and safeguarding citizens including journalists are now the primary agents of repression against the media. The widespread culture of impunity, which allows past offenders to act without fear of consequences, has emboldened these perpetrators to act with ever-increasing boldness.”

The report detailed 21 cases of assault, 17 arbitrary arrests, three raids on journalists’ offices or homes, eight death threats, six kidnappings, five instances of obstruction, one journalist killed, and several other forms of attacks.

Beyond security forces, the report also cited government officials (responsible for four attacks), the judiciary (two incidents), criminal elements (seven attacks), and unknown assailants (four attacks) as contributors to the growing hostility against journalists.

In a more positive note, Gbadamosi highlighted that 2024 saw a breakthrough in reducing the influence of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The NBC had previously imposed heavy fines on broadcasters for alleged violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

However, due to court rulings in May 2023 and January 2024, which prohibited these fines, the NBC refrained from imposing any penalties during the year.

Additionally, the report celebrated a significant development with the launch of a court-ordered investigation into the death of Pelumi Onifade, a journalist with Gboah TV who died after being arrested by police during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The investigation, which followed a wrongful death lawsuit initiated by the MRA, marks an important step towards accountability in attacks against journalists in Nigeria.

Gbadamosi stressed that unless the Nigerian government takes concrete steps to protect media freedom, the cycle of violence and impunity against journalists will continue to weaken the country’s democracy and the public’s right to information.

Meanwhile, security agencies also contributed to discussions on journalists’ safety.

Kabiru Mohammed Sani, Deputy Director of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) in Plateau State, advised journalists to prioritize security awareness during their work.

At a training workshop organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, Sani emphasized that journalists should remain cautious and vigilant, particularly when encountering unusual situations that could compromise their safety.

Similarly, Nelson Nanlap, another DSS official, urged journalists to avoid spreading information that could cause public panic or jeopardize security operations.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and ensuring that all information is properly verified before reporting.

In another part of the country, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori called on government spokespersons, media appointees, and social media influencers to actively counter misinformation and propaganda.

Speaking at the 5th Delta State Communication Workshop in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the importance of effective communication in promoting the state’s achievements and advancing the administration’s goals.

He encouraged participants to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving media landscape, especially in the digital era.

Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to improve the lives of Nigerians, including those in Delta State.

He also stressed the role of media professionals in promoting peace, stability, and responsible governance.

The event featured discussions on media engagement and communication strategies, with trainers like Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika from the University of Lagos emphasizing the need for clear and impactful communication in governance.

In conclusion, the report from the Media Rights Agenda paints a concerning picture of the state of press freedom in Nigeria, with security agencies at the forefront of attacks against journalists.

Despite some positive developments, the persistence of impunity poses significant challenges to media safety and democracy in the country.

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has offered a chance for amnesty to individuals involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, armed robbery, car theft, and other forms of criminality in the state.

Governor Soludo made the announcement on Tuesday at a briefing with journalists at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, where he addressed the state’s security situation ahead of the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He emphasized that his administration is ready to grant amnesty to any criminal who voluntarily surrenders their weapons and repents.

He assured that individuals who choose to take advantage of the amnesty program will be rehabilitated and empowered to reintegrate as productive members of society.

Those interested in the amnesty are required to register with the office of the Governor’s Security Adviser, and the window for this opportunity will remain open until February 2025.

Governor Soludo reflected on the security challenges his administration inherited, revealing that at the beginning of his tenure, eight local government areas in the state were heavily controlled by criminal elements.

However, through coordinated efforts, including the establishment of a vigilance strike force working with federal security agencies, these areas were reclaimed.

Despite the progress, criminal activities, including kidnapping and killings, have resurfaced in some regions.

The governor identified four major security concerns currently affecting the state: kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and a growing drug epidemic.

He also mentioned the troubling resurgence of criminal idolatry, which provides a sense of protection for criminals.

To combat these issues, Governor Soludo announced the launch of a comprehensive security initiative called Operation Udo Ga Achi (meaning “Operation Peace Must Prevail”), which is set to roll out by the end of January 2025.

The plan includes the donation of 163 vehicles to security agencies, the installation of surveillance cameras in key areas, and the deployment of 20 vigilante personnel and forest guards in each community.

He also called for a shift in public perception, urging citizens to see security agents as allies, not enemies.

Governor Soludo called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union representatives, and civil society organizations to collaborate with the government in the fight against insecurity.

He also appealed to rural communities to stop providing support to criminals and urged residents to report criminal activities via the 5111 toll-free line.

The governor reassured citizens that efforts are underway to ensure a secure holiday season and expressed appreciation for the federal government and security commanders for their contributions to the state’s safety.

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised concerns about the agency’s ongoing staff shortage, which is affecting its ability to effectively carry out its regulatory responsibilities.

In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Adeyeye discussed the challenges faced by NAFDAC, particularly in its efforts to regulate substandard and counterfeit medicines.

While acknowledging that the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) also plays a key role in regulating drug-selling establishments and practitioners, she pointed out that both NAFDAC and PCN are struggling with insufficient staff.

“The lack of personnel is a major barrier to NAFDAC and PCN’s ability to fully perform our duties, especially in reaching all areas of the country,” Adeyeye explained.

She called on the government to address the staffing issue, emphasizing that both agencies need more resources to meet their growing demands.

Adeyeye also made a comparison between Nigeria and Indonesia, noting that despite Indonesia’s larger population of 280 million, it has 20,000 staff at its regulatory agency.

In contrast, Nigeria, with a population of 220 million, only has about 2,000 staff at NAFDAC.

Regarding the recent labor union disputes at NAFDAC, the Director-General clarified that the unions’ demands for staff promotions based on the last promotion exam were beyond the agency’s control.

She explained that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS) determines the number of promotions, not NAFDAC’s management.

“The Head of Service has the authority to decide on the number of promotions,” she stated, adding that after discussions with the unions and intervention from the presidency, the matter had been resolved.

Adeyeye reassured the public that NAFDAC had continued to prioritize the welfare of its staff by ensuring timely payments of salaries, allowances, and other benefits. She also highlighted improvements within the agency since her appointment, noting that the staff now feels supported by the management.

“Things have changed significantly in NAFDAC. The staff knows they have a management that is always on their side,” she concluded.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, has taken aim at the media, accusing them of focusing only on bad news.

He lamented that positive developments, particularly in security, are often overlooked, with only negative stories being considered newsworthy.

Speaking during a debate on an urgent motion about the banditry and killings in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, Akpabio highlighted how security agencies successfully thwart numerous criminal activities, but these victories rarely make headlines.

“Security agencies often intercept criminals before they commit their acts, but these successes are rarely reported. Only the bad news is highlighted,” he said.

Akpabio’s remarks came in response to a motion moved by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (PDP, Gombe South), who raised concerns about the ongoing security crisis in Gombe.

In his comments, Akpabio emphasized the need for collective responsibility in maintaining security.

“It is true that state governments play a vital role in security. The responsibility should not fall solely on the federal government; every Nigerian must contribute to peace and harmony,” he added.

Earlier, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) had questioned the role of state governors in ensuring security, noting that they receive substantial security votes to support law enforcement.

He stressed that, according to the constitution, governors are the chief security officers of their states and must take responsibility for the safety of citizens.

In the wake of rising insecurity, the Senate has urged the federal government to fund the establishment of modern ranches nationwide, believing this would improve safety and boost the productivity of both herders and local communities.

The Senate also called for clearer laws to regulate economic activities under the ECOWAS treaty and safeguard the rights and security of Nigerians.

The Senate also called on key security officials, including the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to investigate the recent attacks in Gombe, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure their prosecution.

Furthermore, the Senate called for the immediate formation of a joint police and military taskforce in Billiri to prevent further violence and requested that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and the North East Development Commission provide relief materials to those affected by the attacks.

Senator Yaro, who introduced the motion, condemned the recent attacks in Billiri, particularly the brutal killings and destruction of property by suspected herders on December 11, 2024.

He urged for swift action to prevent further bloodshed.

Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) supported the idea of creating government-funded modern ranches, which he believes would improve safety and economic opportunities for both herders and the wider community.

He called for a comprehensive approach to the ranching plan, taking into account the challenges faced by herders who travel long distances in search of grazing land.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) reminded the Senate of a prior agreement to hold a national public hearing on security issues related to economic activities and movement.

He called for a balance of individual rights and collective security, especially within the ECOWAS framework.