Media and Terrorism: Interrogating the Role of News Coverage of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria
Keywords:
Boko Haram, Insurgency, Media, News Coverage and Terrorism
Abstract
The relationship between media and terrorism has long been debated, with scholars emphasising that while the media provides essential information about terrorist activities, it simultaneously offers publicity that sustains terror networks. This study interrogates the role of Nigerian news coverage in shaping public understanding of the Boko Haram insurgency. Drawing on agenda-setting theory, the paper examines how the media have represented Boko Haram’s activities, motivations, and impacts on society. It investigates whether such portrayals contribute to public fear, legitimize government counter-terrorism measures, or inadvertently amplify the insurgents’ propaganda. Using the secondary data from the existing literature, the study highlights the complexities of reporting terrorism in a conflict-ridden environment. The findings reveal patterns of sensationalism, the dominance of government perspectives, and limited contextualization of the socio-economic drivers of terrorism. This study has demonstrated that the relationship between media and terrorism, particularly in the Nigerian context, is both complex and consequential. News coverage of the Boko Haram insurgency reveals not only the challenges of reporting in a volatile security environment but also the power of the media in framing public perceptions of terrorism. The paper concludes that by fostering a more responsible media practice, the Nigerian press can play a transformative role in countering extremist ideologies, promoting national cohesion, and contributing to long-term peacebuilding efforts in regions affected by terrorism.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Abbott, C., Rogers, P. F., & Sloboda, J. (2006). Global responses to global threats: sustainable security for the 21st century.
Adamu, H. M., Abayeh, O. J., Agho, M. O., Abdullahi, A. L., Uba, A., Dukku, H. U., & Wufem, B. M. (2005). An ethnobotanical survey of Bauchi State herbal plants and their antimicrobial activity. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 99(1), 1-4.
Ajayi, A.I. (2012). ‘Boko Haram’ and terrorism in Nigeria: Exploratory and explanatory notes. Global Advanced Research Journal of History, Political Science and International Relations, 1(5), 103- 107.
Aondover, E. M. (2017). Peace Journalism Practice and Development in The Northeast Of Nigeria: Focus Group Discussion With Some Members Of NTA Correspondents’ Damaturu, Yobe State. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos= Brazilian Journal of African Studies, 2(4).
Aondover, E. M., Aondover, P. O., Adewale, O. C., Falobi, F., & Maiwada, A. A. (2024). Contextual Issues Surrounding Investigative Journalism in Nigeria. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(4), 226-239.
Arong, F. E. & Egbere, M. I. (2013). The Perception of Nigerians on the Deregulation and Privatisation Moves of the Government in the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria. International Journal of Public Administration and Management Research, 2(1), 119-129.
Beckett, C. (2016). Fanning the flames: Reporting terror in a networked world. Columbia Journalism School: Tow Centre for Digital Journalism.
CPJ (2015). Root of Impunity: Pakistan’s Endangered Press and the Perilous Web of Militancy, Security, and Politics. Retrieved from: https://cpj.org/reports/CPJ. Pakistan.Roots.of. Impunity. Pdf
Ekwueme, A.C. & Obayi, P. M. (2000). Boko Haram Assault on Nigeria: Towards Effective Mass Media Response. In New Media and Mass Communication, 1(5), 1-15
Ewetan, O.O. &Urhie, E. (2014). Insecurity and social economic development in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development Studies, 5(1), 40-63.
Forest, J. (2012). Confronting the Terrorism of Boko Haram in Nigeria. MacDill Air Force Base, FL: The JSOU Press.
Ganor, B. (2002). Defining terrorism: Is one man's terrorist another man's freedom fighter?. Police Practice and Research, 3(4), 287-304.
Gourley, S. (2012). Linkages between Boko Haram and al Qaeda: A potential deadly synergy. Global Security Studies. 3 (3).
Granville, C. (2020). The impact of Boko Haram insurgency on the people of Borno state. PhD thesis submitted to Walden Univerity. Retrieved from; https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations.
Greig, R. (2015). ISIS, Al Qaeda and Boko Haram: Who are the terrorists responsible forruining Our World? Retrieved 17 September, 2015 from http://www.ibtimes.com/isis- al-qaeda-boko-haram-whoare-terrorists-responsible-ruining-our-world-2013888.
Hajara, O., Sanda, U., Aondover, M. (2018). Journalistic Practices on the Professional Safety among Journalists in Oyo State: Zaria. Ahmadu Bello University Press Ltd.
Hassan, M. (2014). Boko insurgency and the spate of insecurity in Nigeria: Manifestation of governance crises. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(18), 9-18
Idris, M. K., & Msughter, A. E. (2022). Sources of information on national issues among border communities in Yobe State, Nigeria. ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement, 6(1), 22-47.
Karmon, E. (2014). Boko Haram’s International Reach. Perspectives on Terrorism, Retrieved 10September,2015from
Madunagu, E. (2012). Why we attacked ThisDay – Boko Haram. Retrieved 9 October, 2015 fromhttp://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/4843boko_haram_speaks_why_we_attacked_thisday.ht ml.
McCombs, M. E., & Shaw, D. L. (1993). The evolution of agenda-setting research: Twenty-five years in the marketplace of ideas. Journal of communication, 43(2), 58-67.
Milmo, C., & Witherow, T. (2014). Boko Haram Sets Up African Caliphate with Blessing of Isis,”. The Independent (London).
Minteh, B. & Perry, A. (2013). Terrorism in West Africa: Boko Haram’s evolution, strategy and affiliations. Mid-West Political Science Association’s 71st Annual Conference
Mohammed, I., Aondover, E. M., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., & Saint, E. J. (2025). Disinformation as a Tool for Recruitment by Terrorist Groups in Nigeria. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 12(1), 23-35.
Msughter, A. E., & Abba, A. A. (2017). Understanding Safety and Protection in Nigeria's Journalism. Ahmadu Bello University Press.
Mustapha, R.A (2019). Journalism and Risk: The Impact of Boko Haram Attacks on News Content and Journalists’ Patterns of News. A PhD thesis, University of Canterbury.Gathering and Reporting in Nigeria (2011-2012).
Ngigi, M. W., Mueller, U., & Birner, R. (2016). Gender differences in climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies: an intra-household analysis from rural Kenya.
Nkanga, P. (2014). Journalists targeted by both sides in Nigeria's war on terror. Retrieved 7 October, 2015 from https://cpj.org/blog/2014/05/journalists-targeted-by-both-sides-in-nigerias-war.php.
Odita, A. & Akan, D. (2014). Boko Haram activities: A major setback to Nigeria Economic growth. . IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance (IOSR-JEF), ISSN: 2321-5925.
Ogunrotifa, A. B. (2013). Class theory of terrorism: A study of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(1), 27-59.
Okpaga, A., Chijoke, U. & Innocent, E (2012). Activities of Boko Haram and insecurity question in Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (OMAN chapter). 1(9).
Onyejelem, T. E., Aondover, E. M., Adewale, O. C., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., & Chime-Nganya, C. R. (2025). Global Terrorism and Media Reportage of Boko Haram Cases in the 21st Century. SIASAT, 10(1), 71-83.
Otuchikere, C. et al. (2012). Nigeria: Media Under Siege as Boko Haram Bombs Thisday, Sun, the Moment.7October, 2015 from http://allafrica.com/stories/201204270139.html.
Oviasogie, F.O. (2013). State failure, terrorism and global security: An appraisal of the Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria Journal of Sustainable Security, 2 20-30- Doi:10.11634/21682851302248.
Owens-Ibie, N., & Aondover, E. M. (2025). Issues in Contemporary Journalism Education and Practice in Nigeria: Volume 1. Vernon Press.
Pate, U. & Oso, Lai (2017). Multi- Culturalism, Diversity and Reporting Conflict in Nigeria: Ibadan. Evans brothers Nigeria Limited. Proceedings: Lagos: Cleen Foundation.
Pate, U. & Idris, A. (2016). Professionalism and Risk Management among Journalists covering Boko Haram Insurgency, Lagos: Cleen Foundation.
Premium Times (2015). EXCLUSIVE: Boko Haram speaks: Why we attackedThisday. RetrievedAugust,2015fromhttp://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/4843boko_haram speaks_why_we_attacked_thisday.html.
Rogers, P. (2011). The ‘war on terror’ and international security. Irish Studies in International Affairs, 22:15-23.
Yar’Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Peace journalism and development: An appraisal of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.
Adamu, H. M., Abayeh, O. J., Agho, M. O., Abdullahi, A. L., Uba, A., Dukku, H. U., & Wufem, B. M. (2005). An ethnobotanical survey of Bauchi State herbal plants and their antimicrobial activity. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 99(1), 1-4.
Ajayi, A.I. (2012). ‘Boko Haram’ and terrorism in Nigeria: Exploratory and explanatory notes. Global Advanced Research Journal of History, Political Science and International Relations, 1(5), 103- 107.
Aondover, E. M. (2017). Peace Journalism Practice and Development in The Northeast Of Nigeria: Focus Group Discussion With Some Members Of NTA Correspondents’ Damaturu, Yobe State. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos= Brazilian Journal of African Studies, 2(4).
Aondover, E. M., Aondover, P. O., Adewale, O. C., Falobi, F., & Maiwada, A. A. (2024). Contextual Issues Surrounding Investigative Journalism in Nigeria. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(4), 226-239.
Arong, F. E. & Egbere, M. I. (2013). The Perception of Nigerians on the Deregulation and Privatisation Moves of the Government in the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria. International Journal of Public Administration and Management Research, 2(1), 119-129.
Beckett, C. (2016). Fanning the flames: Reporting terror in a networked world. Columbia Journalism School: Tow Centre for Digital Journalism.
CPJ (2015). Root of Impunity: Pakistan’s Endangered Press and the Perilous Web of Militancy, Security, and Politics. Retrieved from: https://cpj.org/reports/CPJ. Pakistan.Roots.of. Impunity. Pdf
Ekwueme, A.C. & Obayi, P. M. (2000). Boko Haram Assault on Nigeria: Towards Effective Mass Media Response. In New Media and Mass Communication, 1(5), 1-15
Ewetan, O.O. &Urhie, E. (2014). Insecurity and social economic development in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development Studies, 5(1), 40-63.
Forest, J. (2012). Confronting the Terrorism of Boko Haram in Nigeria. MacDill Air Force Base, FL: The JSOU Press.
Ganor, B. (2002). Defining terrorism: Is one man's terrorist another man's freedom fighter?. Police Practice and Research, 3(4), 287-304.
Gourley, S. (2012). Linkages between Boko Haram and al Qaeda: A potential deadly synergy. Global Security Studies. 3 (3).
Granville, C. (2020). The impact of Boko Haram insurgency on the people of Borno state. PhD thesis submitted to Walden Univerity. Retrieved from; https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations.
Greig, R. (2015). ISIS, Al Qaeda and Boko Haram: Who are the terrorists responsible forruining Our World? Retrieved 17 September, 2015 from http://www.ibtimes.com/isis- al-qaeda-boko-haram-whoare-terrorists-responsible-ruining-our-world-2013888.
Hajara, O., Sanda, U., Aondover, M. (2018). Journalistic Practices on the Professional Safety among Journalists in Oyo State: Zaria. Ahmadu Bello University Press Ltd.
Hassan, M. (2014). Boko insurgency and the spate of insecurity in Nigeria: Manifestation of governance crises. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(18), 9-18
Idris, M. K., & Msughter, A. E. (2022). Sources of information on national issues among border communities in Yobe State, Nigeria. ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement, 6(1), 22-47.
Karmon, E. (2014). Boko Haram’s International Reach. Perspectives on Terrorism, Retrieved 10September,2015from
Madunagu, E. (2012). Why we attacked ThisDay – Boko Haram. Retrieved 9 October, 2015 fromhttp://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/4843boko_haram_speaks_why_we_attacked_thisday.ht ml.
McCombs, M. E., & Shaw, D. L. (1993). The evolution of agenda-setting research: Twenty-five years in the marketplace of ideas. Journal of communication, 43(2), 58-67.
Milmo, C., & Witherow, T. (2014). Boko Haram Sets Up African Caliphate with Blessing of Isis,”. The Independent (London).
Minteh, B. & Perry, A. (2013). Terrorism in West Africa: Boko Haram’s evolution, strategy and affiliations. Mid-West Political Science Association’s 71st Annual Conference
Mohammed, I., Aondover, E. M., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., & Saint, E. J. (2025). Disinformation as a Tool for Recruitment by Terrorist Groups in Nigeria. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 12(1), 23-35.
Msughter, A. E., & Abba, A. A. (2017). Understanding Safety and Protection in Nigeria's Journalism. Ahmadu Bello University Press.
Mustapha, R.A (2019). Journalism and Risk: The Impact of Boko Haram Attacks on News Content and Journalists’ Patterns of News. A PhD thesis, University of Canterbury.Gathering and Reporting in Nigeria (2011-2012).
Ngigi, M. W., Mueller, U., & Birner, R. (2016). Gender differences in climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies: an intra-household analysis from rural Kenya.
Nkanga, P. (2014). Journalists targeted by both sides in Nigeria's war on terror. Retrieved 7 October, 2015 from https://cpj.org/blog/2014/05/journalists-targeted-by-both-sides-in-nigerias-war.php.
Odita, A. & Akan, D. (2014). Boko Haram activities: A major setback to Nigeria Economic growth. . IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance (IOSR-JEF), ISSN: 2321-5925.
Ogunrotifa, A. B. (2013). Class theory of terrorism: A study of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(1), 27-59.
Okpaga, A., Chijoke, U. & Innocent, E (2012). Activities of Boko Haram and insecurity question in Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (OMAN chapter). 1(9).
Onyejelem, T. E., Aondover, E. M., Adewale, O. C., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., & Chime-Nganya, C. R. (2025). Global Terrorism and Media Reportage of Boko Haram Cases in the 21st Century. SIASAT, 10(1), 71-83.
Otuchikere, C. et al. (2012). Nigeria: Media Under Siege as Boko Haram Bombs Thisday, Sun, the Moment.7October, 2015 from http://allafrica.com/stories/201204270139.html.
Oviasogie, F.O. (2013). State failure, terrorism and global security: An appraisal of the Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria Journal of Sustainable Security, 2 20-30- Doi:10.11634/21682851302248.
Owens-Ibie, N., & Aondover, E. M. (2025). Issues in Contemporary Journalism Education and Practice in Nigeria: Volume 1. Vernon Press.
Pate, U. & Oso, Lai (2017). Multi- Culturalism, Diversity and Reporting Conflict in Nigeria: Ibadan. Evans brothers Nigeria Limited. Proceedings: Lagos: Cleen Foundation.
Pate, U. & Idris, A. (2016). Professionalism and Risk Management among Journalists covering Boko Haram Insurgency, Lagos: Cleen Foundation.
Premium Times (2015). EXCLUSIVE: Boko Haram speaks: Why we attackedThisday. RetrievedAugust,2015fromhttp://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/4843boko_haram speaks_why_we_attacked_thisday.html.
Rogers, P. (2011). The ‘war on terror’ and international security. Irish Studies in International Affairs, 22:15-23.
Yar’Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Peace journalism and development: An appraisal of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.
Published
2025-09-20
How to Cite
Ibrahim Abdulkadir. (2025). Media and Terrorism: Interrogating the Role of News Coverage of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria. Britain International of Humanities and Social Sciences (BIoHS) Journal, 7(3), 209-223. https://doi.org/10.33258/biohs.v7i3.1376
Section
Articles
.png)
_.gif)
_.gif)
