Nigeria: Unnamed Journalist Kidnapped by Alleged Ex-Soldiers

Second kidnapping of woman journalist in Nigeria this year, as documented by the Coalition For Women In Journalism 

Location: Nigeria, Abuja
Date: November 15, 2023

A journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), covering the presidential villa in Abuja, was abducted at the Federal Secretariat. The incident, involving gunmen who claimed to be former soldiers, underscores the rising concerns over security in Nigeria’s capital. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the kidnapping and demands authorities conduct a thorough investigation to hold those responsible to account. 

“I find it difficult to trust anything and anyone around me,” a correspondent, whose identity remains undisclosed for safety reasons, tells PM News about being abducted while on her way home from an assignment at the Presidential Villa. 

The journalist had boarded a vehicle at the Federal Secretariat but realized something was amiss when the driver and passengers refused to let her out. She was then threatened with a gun, and her belongings, including cash, electronics, and identity cards, were confiscated.

“They said they had been trailing me from the Villa and were aware that I was from the particular assignment,” the reporter says. 

The kidnappers told the reporter they had been dismissed from the army and felt compelled into criminality due to the country's socioeconomic conditions. Throughout the ordeal, she was blindfolded, with her captors debating whether to murder her or demand a ransom. The journalist was released hours later. 

"It was a traumatic experience. I try not to bring back the hard memories, but they keep returning,” the journalist says.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism has documented a worrying trend of violence and intimidation against women journalists in Nigeria. The recent kidnapping of Priestba Nwockocha, the news director for Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation, starkly illustrates the perilous situation facing reporters in the country. On July 21, Nwockocha was abducted when her car broke down in Port Harcourt. After a tense week, Nwockocha was freed and returned to her family, but the incident has left deep scars.

Investigative journalist Karen James, known for her exposé of a scandal within the Anambra Ministry of Education, has faced multiple assassination attempts and is now in hiding.

Daar Communications’ journalist Iniyekenime Bruce and others were attacked on August 14 by an armed group, leading to physical assaults and the theft of their equipment. The group of journalists were visiting Opu-Nembe in Bayelsa State when they were violently assaulted, forcing them to seek refuge in nearby houses.

During Nigeria's presidential elections, at least 28 journalists, including Bolanle Olabimtan, Ajayi Adebola, Ima Elijah, Henrietta Oke, and Nkiru Nwokedi, were prevented from carrying out their duties due to attacks by unknown assailants. Olabimtan described a harrowing incident where assailants confiscated her phone, invaded her privacy, and issued threats.

These incidents represent a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against women journalists in Nigeria. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns these actions and calls for thorough investigations and accountability for these attacks. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, we urge the international community and local authorities to recognize the critical role of a free press and the specific risks faced by women in journalism. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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