Evaluating the role of the media in Enhancing National Security
Keywords:
Media, National Security, Nigeria, Security Reporting, Press FreedomAbstract
National security has evolved beyond traditional military defense to encompass political National security in Nigeria now spans political stability, economic resilience, public health, cyber safety, and social cohesion, going far beyond traditional military defense. Within this wider landscape, the media plays an essential role in shaping public understanding, framing security narratives, and influencing national conversations and policy actions. This study examines how Nigerian media contributes to national security by analyzing the framing of issues such as terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, cybercrime, and public health emergencies in news coverage between 2015 and 2024. Using a qualitative, desk-based approach, the research draws on secondary sources including
scholarly literature, policy documents, and documented media reports. Guided by Agenda Setting Theory and Social Responsibility Theory, the study shows that the media has helped elevate major security concerns to the forefront of public debate, prompting government attention and policy responses. However, the analysis also reveals persistent obstacles, such as misinformation, limited access to reliable security information, political interference, threats to press freedom, and insufficient training in conflict-sensitive reporting. These challenges often weaken the credibility and impact of media contributions. The study concludes that the media remains vital to Nigeria’s security architecture, but its effectiveness strengthened professionalism, improved cooperation with security institutions, and stronger protections for press freedom
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