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Lagos, Lagos State – By Prime Brief Media

A soldier has been reported to have assaulted a journalist from TheCable, an online newspaper, during a traffic altercation in Lagos on Sunday in an incident that has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of media practitioners in Nigeria.

Eyewitnesses told Prime Brief Media that the incident occurred in the Ikoyi area around 3:00 p.m. The soldier, whose vehicle was obstructing traffic, reportedly became aggressive when the journalist, identified as Pelumi Salawu, took photographs of the scene as part of a report on gridlock. The soldier is alleged to have snatched the phone, physically assaulted the journalist, and issued threats before driving away.

TheCable, in a statement posted on its official social media handles, confirmed the assault and said its reporter sustained minor injuries. “We condemn this unprovoked attack in the strongest possible terms. The military must ensure that its personnel uphold the highest standards of conduct and respect for citizens, including journalists performing their lawful duties,” the statement read.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that a report had been lodged at the Ikoyi Police Station. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army was yet to issue an official statement at the time of this briefing, though a media relations officer told Prime Brief Media that the matter had been brought to the attention of the relevant unit for investigation.

The incident has drawn quick condemnation from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and civil society organisations. The NUJ described it as “part of a worrying pattern of harassment and intimidation of journalists by state actors” and called for a swift and transparent disciplinary process.

Media freedom watchdogs have repeatedly documented cases of security operatives targeting journalists in Nigeria, particularly over alleged photographing of security installations or traffic incidents. However, convictions remain rare, contributing to a culture of impunity.

Prime Brief Media will continue to track security and rescue efforts across the state as this story develops.

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