Appraisal of Journalists’ Safety and Challenges in the Context of Boko Haram Insurgency in the Northeast
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Abstract
The Boko Haram insurgency in Northeast Nigeria has created a perilous environment for journalists, making the region one of the most dangerous places for media practitioners. The conflict, which has lasted for over a decade, has led to thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and widespread insecurity. Journalists covering the insurgency face multiple threats, including direct attacks by Boko Haram militants, harassment by security forces, psychological distress, and professional limitations due to censorship and restricted access to conflict zones. One of the greatest risks journalists encounter is direct violence from Boko Haram. The militant group perceives independent reporting as a threat to its ideological and operational secrecy. As a result, journalists have been kidnapped, tortured, and even killed for their work. Some have been accused of being spies or collaborators with the Nigerian government and international agencies. These threats have forced many journalists to either flee the region or engage in self-censorship, which affects the quality and depth of conflict reporting. Apart from insurgent threats, journalists also face challenges from the Nigerian security apparatus. Law enforcement agencies sometimes view investigative journalism as a security risk rather than an essential service. There have been cases of journalists being arrested, detained, or harassed under anti-terrorism laws for publishing reports that expose military failures or human rights violations. This has led to an atmosphere of fear where journalists struggle to balance truthful reporting with personal safety. The paper established that Boko Haram insurgency has also caused significant psychological trauma for journalists. Constant exposure to violence, death, and human suffering takes a toll on their mental health. Many reporters work under extreme stress, often without access to mental health support. The emotional burden of witnessing destruction and speaking with victims of terrorist attacks can lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
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