Media as Strategic Partners in the War against Insecurity in Nigeria: A Whole Society Approach
Prof Nuhu Diraso Gapsiso
By Prof. Nuhu Diraso Gapsiso
Centre for Peace Development and Diplomatic Studies
University of Maiduguri
Introduction
Insecurity in Nigeria is a persistent and multifaceted crisis that has profoundly affected the nation’s stability, with factors such as terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, socio-economic challenges, and governance issues converging to create an environment of instability. This ongoing crisis not only endangers lives and property but also places immense pressure on institutions, including the media, which serve as a vital component in shaping public awareness and contributing to national security efforts.
The media, as strategic partners in addressing insecurity, are at the forefront of this challenge. Journalists play a pivotal role in documenting and reporting security issues while navigating professional risks, such as intimidation, harassment, and violence. As highlighted by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 2222 (2015), journalists and media professionals often face specific dangers in conflict zones. Despite these risks, the expectation for journalists to provide accurate, balanced, and objective reports remains a cornerstone of their work. However, in the context of Nigeria’s national security emergencies, journalists often grapple with the moral and ethical dilemmas of balancing objectivity with the imperative to contribute to societal stability.
This paper explores the concept of “patriotic journalism” within a whole-society approach to tackling insecurity.
Patriotic journalism emphasizes the journalist’s role as a purposeful contributor to the national agenda, driven by the preservation of Nigeria’s sovereignty, security, and the welfare of its citizens. According to the National Security Strategy (2019), these objectives include safeguarding territorial integrity, ensuring democracy, and combating threats to peace and human security. Journalists operating within this framework prioritize narratives that foster unity, human safety, and national cohesion, even when doing so requires re-evaluating conventional journalistic standards, such as neutrality and balance.
The rise in insecurity over the past decade has underscored the critical role of media as strategic partners alongside government institutions, the Armed Forces, and civil society. While the Armed Forces have made substantial sacrifices in combating insecurity, they face allegations of misconduct and other challenges that complicate their mission. In this context, the media hold a unique position to both amplify the efforts of security agencies and hold them accountable. However, the question remains: how can the media balance their professional obligations with the pressing need to serve national interests?
Purpose and Significance of the Paper
This paper aims to explore the role of media as strategic partners in the war against insecurity in Nigeria, adopting a whole-of-society approach. By examining the challenges, limitations, and successful interventions of the media in addressing insecurity, the paper seeks to highlight the significance of a collaborative effort involving all sectors of society in combating insecurity.
The significance of this paper lies in its potential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the media’s role in promoting security and stability in Nigeria. By identifying best practices and offering recommendations, the paper aims to inform policymakers, media practitioners, and other stakeholders on effective strategies to leverage the media’s potential in addressing insecurity.
The crux of the matter
The media, as strategic partners in the war against insecurity in Nigeria, play a critical role in disseminating information, fostering public awareness, and holding authorities accountable. Through a whole-of-society approach, it is possible to address the challenges and limitations faced by the media, thereby enhancing their capacity to contribute to national security and stability. This paper will explore the multifaceted role of the media, identify successful interventions, and provide recommendations to strengthen the media’s contribution to combating insecurity in Nigeria.
Objectives
i. To evaluate the media’s role in promoting national security and fostering public resilience through strategic reporting.
ii. To examine the balance between objectivity and patriotic journalism in addressing Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.
iii. examine collaborative whole-society framework for media engagement in combating insecurity effectively.
Conceptual Clarification
Media encompasses a broad range of channels and platforms dedicated to communication, information dissemination, and entertainment. These channels include traditional mediums such as newspapers, radio, and television, as well as digital tools like social media, blogs, and online news websites. The media play an essential role in society by shaping public opinion, providing critical information, and holding those in authority accountable (McQuail, 2010).
Insecurity, on the other hand, is defined as a state of vulnerability to danger or threats, signifying a lack of safety. Within the national context, insecurity refers to the prevalence of crime, violence, and societal instability that disrupts regular functioning and poses risks to the lives and properties of citizens. This condition stems from various sources, including terrorism, insurgency, armed robbery, and communal conflicts, and often calls for urgent intervention to restore stability (Akinola, 2018).
The Whole Society Approach represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing complex challenges by harnessing the collective efforts of all segments of society. This includes active collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society, and local communities to achieve shared objectives. By prioritizing inclusiveness, pooling resources, and leveraging diverse expertise, this approach seeks to create sustainable solutions that address pressing issues and promote holistic development (UNDP, 2017).
The need for collaboration between Security Agencies and the Media
The fight against insecurity in Nigeria necessitates a strong and collaborative partnership between the military, other security agencies, and journalists. This synergy plays a pivotal role in enhancing public trust, promoting transparency, and ensuring the accurate dissemination of information, thereby fostering a more secure and informed society. By working together, these stakeholders can address critical issues and mitigate the challenges posed by misinformation, fear-mongering, and instability.
Journalists are instrumental in providing accurate and timely information about security situations, helping to reduce panic and misinformation among the public (Okoli & Orinya, 2020). They also play a key role in countering fake news and propaganda by disseminating credible narratives that combat falsehoods and fear-mongering associated with insecurity (Udoakah, 2019). Moreover, the media educate citizens about safety measures, such as reporting suspicious activities and staying safe during crises, fostering public awareness and engagement (Nwabueze & Ebeze, 2013).
Collaboration between the media and security agencies is essential for enhancing intelligence gathering. The media act as a bridge, encouraging citizens to report potential threats, which aids in proactive security measures (Aliyu, 2021). Additionally, this partnership promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that military operations are conducted within ethical and legal frameworks, reducing instances of human rights abuses and corruption (Amadi & Okenwa, 2022).
A transparent relationship with the media strengthens public confidence in security agencies. By fostering trust, citizens are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement efforts, creating a more unified approach to tackling insecurity (Ekeanyanwu, 2015). Journalists also play a critical role in crisis management and conflict resolution by providing balanced coverage, reducing tensions, and discouraging inflammatory rhetoric that could exacerbate conflicts (Obiora, 2020).
Furthermore, professional and strategic security reporting enhances Nigeria’s national image on a global stage. It highlights efforts made to combat terrorism and insurgency, portraying the country in a positive light and strengthening international relations (Ojo, 2018). Investigative journalism also contributes to policy formulation and implementation by providing policymakers with valuable insights into the effectiveness of security strategies, enabling informed decision-making (Akinola, 2019).
Lastly, the media foster community engagement, bridging the gap between security agencies and local communities. This collaboration encourages grassroots participation in intelligence sharing and security initiatives, ensuring a more inclusive and effective approach to national security (Ibrahim & Yusuf, 2021).
By leveraging the strengths of both the media and security agencies, Nigeria can strengthen its efforts to combat insecurity, build public trust, and promote societal stability. A united and collaborative approach is essential for achieving these goals and ensuring a safer future for all citizens.
Ethical Considerations in Reporting of Military Operations
Ethical considerations in the reporting of Military Operations in Nigeria hold significant importance due to the sensitive nature of these operations and the potential impact on various stakeholders involved. When reporting on military operations, journalists and media organizations need to navigate a complex landscape to ensure ethical standards are upheld. Here are some key considerations as prescribe by (Shturkhetsky, et al 2016).
The language you use in reporting can also have an influence on the impartiality of your reporting. Calling lands “occupied” or “liberated” has a connotation. Calling someone an enemy outside of a quotation has an impact. Using sensational or antagonistic language also has an impact. As a journalist you should try to report the facts and not add to the story with your reporting methods. This is especially true in a conflict where things are heated already.
Important aspects of journalists’ ethical professional behaviour are nondiscrimination and clarity of presentation as a courtesy to their audience.
In their reports, journalists should provide information the origin of which they know, clearly indicate their information sources and name the experts who made comments or provide details of the research/investigations mentioned in the report and verified for their authenticity.
Where journalists have no direct access to the events in the combat zone, factual information should be sought from their participants or witnesses. The journalists should do their best to interview as many participants and witnesses as possible to collect facts and impressions of a specific event. The more people can confirm the fact, the more authentic the information about the fact is. At the same time, one should not ignore the evidence that runs counter to that provided by most people involved. In such cases, different versions of the same fact/event should be offered, with mandatory referencing to their sources.
When informing the audience about the events connected with the occupation and combat operations, it is essential to protect the information sources that could not be disclosed for safety reasons. Under the circumstances, identifying the information source could have more fatal implications than in a usual peaceful environment
The main journalistic rule is to check all the information and diversify its sources. It is considered sufficient to check information with two independent Conflict sensitive journalism: best practices and recommendations . During combat operations, their direct participants could be such sources (even if a journalist is in the rear, they may ascertain which of their fellow countrymen is in combat at that time and set contact with them), as well as other journalists, who may be in the conflict zone on either side.
Information from official authorities. News reporters could present information provided by officially authorised public agencies or their authorised representatives. However, it does not mean they should not seek alternative evidence to confirm or disprove that information by talking to direct participants or witnesses of the events. One should remember that, for different reasons, official agencies often provide edited or not quite accurate information
Authenticity of pictures from a conflict zone.
When using somebody else’s pictures of the events in the conflict zone, the journalists should do their best to verify their authenticity – did the event really happen in that place and at that time as claimed by the authors of the picture or those who shared it? It is also a must to clearly indicate the source, from which the picture was borrowed.
Information about the killed, wounded, gone missing and taken hostage
Information about the people who were killed or wounded, went missing or were taken prisoners should be verified with special care and exclusively from the competent sources. These are, first and foremost, direct participants or eye-witnesses of the event who were present on the ground with the person in question.
One should be aware that false information on what happened to a certain person could do serious and irreparable harm to the person’s friends and family; that publicised specific details could be detrimental to the people in captivity. One should also realize the consequences of giving away specific names. This can only be acceptable when the reporter is 100% sure the information is accurate and authentic (coming from a reliable and competent source) and the person’s identification will not put this person at risk in their current circumstances. In many countries journalists follow the rule whereby relatives of the killed person are entitled to learn about their loss from official sources rather than from news releases. Thus, the media agencies and reporters refrain from identifying the killed: showing their bodies and naming them.
Information about a specific wounded person can only be released with their consent. If a wounded person is not capable of giving conscious consent or does not give such consent, their story should be anonymous, and the reporter should make sure the person’s identity cannot be established from the broadcast picture.
Using video-archives
It is strictly forbidden to use archive pictures as illustrations for reporting on current events in the combat operations zone or on the occupied territory. If you need to show a previously shot picture to illustrate today’s event because it was shot at the same place or engaged the same people you are featuring at the moment – voice-over should be used to explain that the picture is of the same place but shot some time ago, or the “Archive” sub-title should appear on the screen.
Anonymity of the participants and witnesses of events in a conflict zone
It is very important to understand that people in the conflict zone are extremely vulnerable, and they may be or, in fact, are in real danger. Showing and identifying these people by name in the situations of exposure (e.g. interviewing a civilian when passing a checkpoint or queuing to receive humanitarian aid, etc.) is unacceptable unless you are sure their lives and the lives of their relatives would not be endangered even more.
Specifics of using the standard of presenting balanced information
Representatives or leaders of terrorists or occupants, as well as their supporters should not be given a voice in the media to justify their actions in violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
Journalistic reports on combat operations should not disclose the following information: exact data on deployment and movements of the troops or their units; number of military personnel in different combat sectors; exact data on types and number of weapons in specific units; information about commanders’ plans and about combat tactics, etc.
When filming locations of military units, journalists should remember not to shoot panoramic views or to show staging posts of manpower and machinery. They should be careful not to film signposts that can help identify the location of checkpoints. Sometimes it is better not to shoot weapons or machinery to avoid exposing availability of some specific types of armament. The servicemen have complained about such news broadcasts and stand uppers, which undermine their trust to the media.
A way to avoid mistakes could be showing all the filmed material to the unit commanders and cut out frames they consider unacceptable: sometimes seemingly innocent frames could be potentially damaging. Moreover, one should always be attentive to soldiers’ requests if they ask not to show their faces (it is a rule and good practice for the cameraman to get permission from all servicemen they are going to film. Oftentimes, the military who do not want to be in the frame move away or simply ask not to film them).
Accuracy and Truthfulness: Reporters have a responsibility to verify information before publishing it. In the context of military operations, accuracy is crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or contributing to public panic. Relying on multiple sources and fact-checking can help ensure the veracity of the information being reported.
Protection of National Security: Journalists must balance their duty to inform the public with the need to safeguard national security. Reporting sensitive information or revealing operational details that could potentially compromise ongoing military operations or endanger lives is unethical. Journalists should exercise discretion and consider the potential consequences of their reporting.
Protection of Civilian Lives: The welfare of civilians caught in military conflicts should be a top priority. Journalists must exercise caution and adhere to ethical guidelines when reporting on sensitive issues. Avoiding the spread of graphic images or detailed descriptions of violent incidents can help prevent further trauma to affected individuals.
Independence and Impartiality: Journalists should strive to maintain their independence and objectivity in reporting military operations. Avoiding bias and presenting a balanced perspective ensures fair and accurate coverage. It is crucial to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may impact the objectivity of the reporting.
Respect for Privacy and Sensitivity: Journalists should respect individual privacy rights and exercise sensitivity when reporting on military operations. This includes obtaining consent from individuals being interviewed or featured in stories and respecting cultural norms when reporting in diverse communities.
Transparency and Accountability: Journalists should be transparent about their sources and methodology used in reporting military operations. Providing the public with accurate and reliable information builds trust and confidence. Correcting any errors promptly, with the same level of visibility, promotes accountability.
Understanding and Contextualizing Conflict:
Journalists reporting on military operations must strive to understand the complexities and historical contexts of the conflict. This involves conducting in-depth research, seeking expert perspectives, and presenting a nuanced view. Avoiding the oversimplification of issues helps provide a more comprehensive understanding to the public.
Duty of Care: Journalists reporting from conflict zones have a duty of care towards their own safety and the safety of their teams. This includes having proper training, risk assessments, and utilizing protective measures to minimize harm. Prioritizing safety ensures journalists can continue to report ethically and effectively.
Balancing objectivity and patriotic journalism in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges
Balancing objectivity and patriotism Journalism in addressing Nigeria’s security challanges is crucial for fostering trust, ensuring accurate reporting, and contributing to national unity.
Accurate and Factual Reporting
Journalists must ensure accuracy in their reporting to maintain objectivity. Reporting fabricated or exaggerated stories can undermine public trust and escalate tensions. For instance, during the Boko Haram insurgency, some outlets sensationalized attacks, which instilled fear rather than informed the public responsibly (Adeniyi, 2021). Balanced journalism requires verifying facts and avoiding bias.
Promoting National Cohesion
While objectivity is paramount, journalists must be mindful of their content’s impact on national unity. Patriotic journalism involves presenting stories in ways that avoid fueling ethnic or religious divisions. For example, emphasizing communal solidarity in the face of attacks, like the efforts of diverse groups in aiding victims of insurgencies, fosters unity (Ola, 2020).
Avoiding Propaganda
Patriotic journalism should not devolve into propaganda. Journalists must resist becoming tools for government or political narratives that obscure the truth. For instance, during the farmer-herder conflicts, some media presented one-sided stories favoring certain groups. Objective reporting requires portraying all perspectives fairly (Eze, 2019).
Exposing Security Failures Constructively
Objectivity demands shedding light on failures by security agencies, but patriotic journalism necessitates doing so constructively. Critiques should aim to improve, not demoralize. For instance, reports highlighting underfunding or poor equipment of the Nigerian military can motivate reforms rather than incite despair (Abdullahi, 2021).
5. Upholding Ethics in Crisis Reporting
Ethical journalism avoids publishing graphic or distressing images that could traumatize audiences. For instance, during the Chibok girls’ abduction coverage, some outlets shared sensitive photos of grieving families, which many viewed as exploitative (Adamu, 2022). Patriotism involves prioritizing ethical storytelling.
Encouraging Peace Initiatives
Journalists can promote peace by highlighting successful conflict resolution efforts and grassroots peace-building initiatives. For example, covering stories of mediation between communities in Plateau State showcases practical solutions and inspires hope (Ibrahim, 2020).
Holding Leaders Accountable
Objectivity entails demanding transparency and accountability from leaders, while patriotism ensures this is done responsibly. For instance, investigative journalism that uncovers misuse of security funds strengthens governance without undermining national morale (Okoye, 2021).
By balancing objectivity and patriotic ideals, journalists play a pivotal role in addressing Nigeria’s insecurity challenges without compromising truth or national interests.
How security agencies can engage the media in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity
Security agencies and the media both play critical roles in addressing insecurity. By fostering collaboration and maintaining open communication, they can work together to create effective strategies. Below are ten ways security agencies can engage the media in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, with practical global examples of best practices:
Regular Press Briefings
Security agencies can hold regular press briefings to update the public on progress, clarify misinformation, and build trust. For instance, during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security held frequent briefings to keep citizens informed and engaged (Smith, 2002).
Appointing Spokespersons
A dedicated spokesperson ensures consistent communication between security agencies and the media. In South Africa, the police service uses official spokespeople to address crime-related issues, minimizing misinformation and speculation (Mokgadi, 2018).
Training for Journalists
Organizing workshops for journalists on reporting in conflict zones ensures that stories are both accurate and ethical. In Afghanistan, NATO forces provided media training on sensitive reporting during the war on terror, which improved the quality of coverage (Taylor, 2014).
Providing Accurate and Timely Information
Proactively sharing verified information prevents rumors and misinformation. For example, during Australia’s bushfire crisis in 2019, emergency services updated the media hourly, reducing public panic (Campbell, 2020).
Establishing a Crisis Communication Center
A centralized hub for media inquiries during crises ensures streamlined information dissemination. The UK’s COBRA meetings during emergencies have served as a model for managing media relations effectively (Williams, 2019).
Engaging in Joint Media Campaigns
Security agencies can collaborate with the media to run campaigns promoting awareness and public safety. In Canada, a joint campaign between police and broadcasters raised awareness on cybercrime, leading to a significant reduction in phishing scams (Johnson, 2017).
Creating Embedded Journalist Programmes
Allowing journalists to embed with security forces ensures accurate reporting and fosters transparency. During the Iraq War, U.S. forces embedded journalists, which provided firsthand insights into military operations (Katovsky, 2003).
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
Using social media for real-time updates and public engagement helps security agencies reach a wider audience. The Nigerian Army’s use of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok to update citizens on counter-insurgency efforts is an example of embracing modern communication tools (Adebayo, 2021).
Building Relationships through Dialogue
Holding regular meetings with media executives fosters understanding and collaboration. In Sweden, police hold quarterly roundtable discussions with media outlets to address coverage concerns and improve collaboration (Larsson, 2015).
Recognizing Media as Stakeholders
Treating the media as stakeholders ensures they feel involved and respected. In India, police agencies conduct annual media appreciation events to acknowledge the media’s role in supporting law enforcement (Kumar, 2018).
By implementing these practices, Nigerian security agencies can strengthen their collaboration with the media, ensuring accurate reporting and fostering public trust.
Collaborative whole-society frameworks for effective media engagement in combating insecurity
Partnership in Public Sensitization Campaigns: Media should collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to educate citizens about safety measures, fostering vigilance and proactive responses to insecurity (Nwabueze & Ebeze, 2013).
Training Programs for Journalists on Security Reporting: Security agencies and media organizations should jointly organize workshops to equip journalists with the skills to report accurately and sensitively on security issues without endangering national stability (Aliyu, 2021).
Establishing Media-Security Forums**: Regular dialogue platforms between media practitioners and security personnel can facilitate understanding, address misconceptions, and enhance cooperation in combating misinformation (Okoli & Orinya, 2020).
Integrating Media in Community Policing Initiatives: Media can help amplify community-policing programs by encouraging citizen participation and providing a platform to discuss successes and challenges (Ibrahim & Yusuf, 2021).
Creation of Joint Crisis Communication Units: Collaborative units comprising media professionals and security agencies can coordinate the dissemination of accurate and timely information during emergencies, minimizing chaos and misinformation (Obiora, 2020).
Development of Ethical Reporting Guidelines: Media houses, in partnership with civil society and security experts, can draft and adopt reporting codes that promote objectivity, patriotism, and sensitivity to conflict dynamics (Amadi & Okenwa, 2022).
Media as Intelligence Channels: Security agencies can leverage the media’s reach to gather insights from citizens, who report threats or provide vital intelligence through hotlines and social media campaigns (Aliyu, 2021).
Collaborative Counter-Misinformation Strategies: Joint efforts to combat fake news through fact-checking initiatives and public awareness programs can help mitigate the dangers of false narratives (Udoakah, 2019).
Advancing Investigative Journalism on Security: Policymakers can support investigative journalists to uncover root causes of insecurity and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, aiding evidence-based policy formulation (Akinola, 2019).
Promoting Media-Driven Peacebuilding Projects: Media houses can collaborate with peacebuilding organizations to produce content that fosters unity, mitigates hate speech, and encourages dialogue among conflicting groups (Ojo, 2018).
These frameworks underscore the importance of collaboration, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility in creating a safer and more informed society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the media serves as an indispensable strategic partner in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, playing a dual role in promoting national security and fostering public resilience through impactful reporting. By highlighting issues, raising awareness, and disseminating accurate information, the media contributes to shaping public perception and bolstering national morale during crises. Moreover, the delicate balance between objectivity and patriotic journalism is essential in maintaining credibility while ensuring that the nation’s unity and interests are preserved. Media practitioners must uphold their duty to truth while exercising caution to avoid fueling tensions or exacerbating divisions.
The collaborative whole-society approach emphasizes that combating insecurity is not the sole responsibility of security agencies but a shared effort involving diverse stakeholders, including the media. Through open communication, transparency, and shared initiatives, a harmonious partnership can emerge that aligns journalistic integrity with national security goals. Drawing lessons from global best practices, Nigeria can harness the power of the media to provide accurate, ethical, and cohesive narratives that support societal resilience and collective action. As such, the synergy between the media and other societal actors remains pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
