Journalists around the world have often been seen as the torchbearers of truth, tasked with holding the powerful to account and ensuring the free flow of information in society. In Nigeria, however, the task of being a journalist comes with unique dangers - especially harassment. This harassment can take multiple forms, from physical violence to legal intimidation and online abuse, all of which have become an unfortunate hallmark of the profession in the country. Nigerian journalists, in their pursuit of truth, frequently find themselves at the intersection of political, social, and economic forces that threaten their safety and livelihoods. As renowned journalist Maria Ressa once said, “When you stand for something, you have to be willing to pay the price.” For Nigerian journalists, the price can be high, with many experiencing harassment not only as a professional hazard but also as a constant and pervasive part of their work. This harassment represents a significant threat to press freedom in the country, undermining both the journalists’ ability to perform their duties and the broader democratic process that depends on a free and vibrant press. Harassment from State Actors One of the most dangerous sources of harassment for Nigerian journalists is the state itself. Governments, particularly those with authoritarian tendencies, often view the press as a threat to their control and image. Journalists who attempt to investigate or report on corruption, electoral malpractice, or human rights abuses are often met with intimidation, arrests, and violent retribution. This harassment serves not only to silence individual journalists but also to send a broader message to the media as a whole: some truths are too dangerous to report. A striking example of state harassment occurred in 2019 when Daily Trust journalists were arrested by the Nigerian military. The newspaper had reported on military operations against Boko Haram, leading to the detention of several of its journalists and the occupation of its offices in Abuja and Maiduguri. The incident sparked outrage among local and international media rights organizations, with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) calling it "an attack on press freedom." Another chilling case is that of Omoyele Sowore, a journalist and founder of the online news outlet Sahara Reporters. Sowore, who has long been a critic of the Nigerian government, was arrested by security operatives in 2019 for organizing the #RevolutionNow protests against bad governance and corruption. His detention sparked international condemnation, with Amnesty International describing it as a blatant violation of freedom of expression. Harassment by the state often involves not just arrests but legal intimidation. The Nigerian government has been accused of weaponizing libel and defamation laws to stifle critical reporting. Journalists like Agba Jalingo, who faced charges of treason for exposing corruption in Cross River State, have spent months in detention without trial. Such actions are aimed at crippling investigative journalism by using the judicial system as a tool of repression. Harassment from Non-State Actors Beyond the state, Nigerian journalists also face harassment from non-state actors, including political thugs, criminal organizations, and powerful individuals who feel threatened by critical media coverage. This form of harassment often manifests as threats, intimidation, and sometimes physical violence, especially during election periods or when sensitive issues are being reported. During the 2015 and 2019 general elections, journalists were routinely targeted by political thugs and hired goons, especially in states with heightened political tensions. In 2015, for example, several journalists were assaulted by party loyalists in Rivers State while covering the gubernatorial election. Similar incidents occurred in Lagos, where reporters were intimidated and prevented from accessing polling stations. Journalists covering the activities of militant groups like Boko Haram or criminal organizations such as oil bunkering cartels also face extreme risks. Kidnappings, physical attacks, and threats to their families are not uncommon. In 2019, Ahmed Salkida, a Nigerian journalist known for his in-depth reporting on Boko Haram, was declared wanted by the military after publishing a report on the group’s activities. Though he later clarified his position with the authorities, the ordeal highlighted the precarious nature of investigative journalism in Nigeria. As veteran journalist Dapo Olorunyomi, co-founder of Premium Times, once said, "Journalism is no longer just about telling the truth. It is now a game of survival." Online Harassment and Cyberbullying With the rise of digital platforms, Nigerian journalists are increasingly facing online harassment and cyberbullying. Social media platforms, while providing a space for greater public engagement, have also become breeding grounds for attacks on journalists. Women journalists, in particular, are often subjected to sexist and misogynistic abuse online. According to a 2021 report by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), 66% of female journalists worldwide have experienced online harassment, and Nigerian female reporters are no exception. Online trolls and partisan groups often organize coordinated attacks against journalists who report unfavorably on politicians or government policies. These digital harassment campaigns involve everything from death threats to doxxing, where private information about journalists is shared online with malicious intent. The goal is often to silence journalists by creating an environment of fear and insecurity. A notable case of online harassment involved Nigerian journalist Kiki Mordi, whose BBC Africa Eye documentary “Sex for Grades” exposed sexual harassment in Nigerian universities. Following the release of the documentary, Mordi became the target of sustained online abuse, receiving death threats and sexist attacks aimed at discrediting her work. The threats became so intense that Mordi had to take a break from social media for her safety. Psychological Impact of Harassment The toll of harassment on Nigerian journalists is not just physical or professional - it is also deeply psychological. Constant threats, intimidation, and fear of retaliation can lead to anxiety, stress, and burnout among journalists. In many cases, the pressure becomes so overwhelming that journalists resort to self-censorship, choosing to avoid reporting on sensitive issues altogether. Psychological harassment, such as being surveilled or receiving veiled threats, is a pervasive issue in Nigeria. The late Dele Giwa, a prominent Nigerian journalist, is a tragic example of how far this harassment can go. Giwa, the editor-in-chief of Newswatch, was assassinated in 1986 via a parcel bomb, just days after he was reportedly questioned by security officials regarding his investigations into drug trafficking and government corruption. His assassination remains unsolved to this day, but it stands as a grim reminder of the stakes involved for Nigerian journalists. Press Freedom Advocacy and the Fight for Journalists’ Rights Despite the dangers they face, Nigerian journalists continue to resist harassment and fight for their rights. Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, and local bodies like Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have been at the forefront of advocating for press freedom in Nigeria. These groups provide legal support to journalists facing persecution and offer platforms for raising awareness about the plight of the press. Efforts to improve journalists’ safety have also gained momentum with international and local campaigns to decriminalize libel and defamation in Nigeria. Press freedom advocates have called on the Nigerian government to implement stronger legal frameworks that protect journalists from harassment and intimidation, whether from the state or non-state actors. As Nigeria continues to navigate its political and social landscape, the role of the press will remain indispensable. The courage of Nigerian journalists, who continue to speak truth to power despite the risks, is essential to upholding democratic values and accountability in the country. However, as veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour reminds us, “Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph, and the signs of horror are still in the air.” Conclusion The harassment of Nigerian journalists in the line of duty is an enduring challenge that threatens not only individual reporters but the very essence of press freedom. State persecution, threats from non-state actors, online abuse, and the psychological toll of this harassment have created an environment where journalism is an act of courage. Yet, despite these formidable obstacles, Nigerian journalists continue to persevere, driven by the belief that their work is essential to the country’s democratic progress. In this ongoing struggle, the support of press freedom advocates, legal reforms, and international pressure will be crucial in creating a safer environment for journalists. Without such efforts, the price of speaking the truth in Nigeria will remain unacceptably high. As Dapo Olorunyomi aptly concludes, “The press is not perfect, but the role it plays in Nigeria’s democracy cannot be overemphasized. To attack the press is to attack the people’s right to know, and in turn, their right to hold power accountable.”