By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times | January 2026
No fewer than 128 journalists and media workers were killed across the world in 2025, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has said, raising renewed concerns over the safety of media professionals and the worsening state of press freedom globally.
The IFJ, a global umbrella body for journalists’ unions, said the deaths were recorded across several regions, including conflict-affected areas and politically unstable countries, as well as nations officially at peace.
According to the organisation, the victims included reporters, editors, photojournalists, broadcasters and other media workers, with at least 10 women journalists among those killed.
The IFJ explained that the figure represents verified cases, noting that the actual number could be higher due to underreporting in war zones and countries with restricted media environments.
The report shows that journalists faced the greatest risks while covering armed conflicts, political crises, elections, corruption and human rights abuses. Some of those killed had previously reported threats or intimidation linked to their work.
The federation also expressed concern over the persistent culture of impunity, stating that most cases of journalist killings worldwide remain unresolved, with few leading to arrests or convictions.
In Africa and other developing regions, the IFJ noted that journalists continue to operate under difficult conditions, often without adequate safety training, insurance or institutional protection.
Although Nigeria did not rank among the countries with the highest number of journalist deaths in 2025, media groups have continued to raise concerns over harassment, arbitrary arrests and attacks on journalists, particularly during protests and election periods.
The IFJ called on governments to carry out independent investigations into all killings of journalists, ensure prosecution of perpetrators and strengthen legal and safety protections for media workers.
The International Federation of Journalists releases annual data on journalists killed in the line of duty as part of its global advocacy against violence targeting the media.
