The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, has demanded the immediate release of Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with SecretReporters, who was allegedly arrested by unidentified security operatives in Abuja.
The union condemned the reported arrest and continued detention of the journalist, describing the development as disturbing.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, Jide Oyekunle, the union said the circumstances surrounding Ugagbe’s arrest remained unclear.
According to the NUJ, the incident occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Ugagbe’s residence in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja.
The union said four armed men dressed in mufti allegedly arrived at the journalist’s residence shortly after he returned from work and took him to an unknown destination.
It added that one of the men was dressed in a T-shirt and trousers, while another was armed with an assault rifle.
The NUJ said Ugagbe’s mobile phone and laptop were also confiscated before he was taken away in an unmarked black Mitsubishi Pajero SUV with tinted windows.
The union said it had contacted several security agencies to ascertain Ugagbe’s whereabouts and determine whether he was in their custody.
It, however, said the agencies contacted denied holding him or having any knowledge of his whereabouts.
The NUJ called on relevant security agencies to immediately disclose the identity of the operatives involved and state the reasons for the journalist’s arrest.
It also demanded that Ugagbe be granted access to his family and lawyers.
The union said if there was any lawful basis for his arrest, he should be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction, otherwise he should be released without further delay.
The NUJ said it would continue to monitor the situation and support efforts to safeguard press freedom in Nigeria.
