Media Ethics and National Security: Balancing Freedom of Expression in Nigeria
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Abstract
In democratic societies, the relationship between national security and media ethics poses a difficult conundrum, especially in weaker nations like Nigeria where press freedom and security issues frequently clash. How media professionals balance the moral need to inform the public while reducing any risks to national security is examined in this paper. The paper explores the conflicts between defending freedom of expression, a fundamental component of democratic governance, and attending to the demands of national security in the face of terrorism, insurgency, and political instability. It does this by drawing on normative theories of the press and the ethical principles of responsibility, truth, and public interest. It acknowledges situations in which restrictive security measures weakened democratic accountability and restricted press freedom, while simultaneously highlighting instances in which dramatic reporting, disinformation, or unsubstantiated news made insecurity worse. This paper has as its theoretical framework within the context of social responsibility and the framing theories. It was argued that the Boko Haram insurgency serves as a prime example of how media coverage can shape public understanding and government response to security threats. Thus, the role of media in national security is multifaceted, serving as a key player in shaping narratives surrounding security threats. Historical contexts illustrate the evolving role of media in national security debates and policies, notably through coverage of groups like Boko Haram. The paper concludes that ethical journalism is paramount in navigating the complex terrain of national security in Nigeria. As journalists strive to balance freedom of expression with security concerns, the role of media organizations, regulatory bodies, and civil society will be crucial in fostering an environment where ethical standards are upheld.
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Oyinloye, D. O., Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, Chidinma N. Ejekwu, & Mmesomachukwu Chukwuemeka Iloh. (2025). Media Ethics and National Security: Balancing Freedom of Expression in Nigeria. SIASAT, 10(4), 231-246. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v10i4.212
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Ogunleye, T. (2021). Self-Censorship in Nigerian Journalism: The Impact of National Security Laws. Media Ethics Review, 13(4), 34-50.
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Adebanwi, W. (2020). Media and the Politics of Resistance in Nigeria: The #BringBackOurGirls Campaign. African Studies Review, 63(2), 29-50.
Adedeji, A. (2021). The Role of Misinformation in National Security: Challenges for Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Political Science, 14(2), 55-70.
Adegoke, A. (2020). The Role of Media in National Security: Lessons from Nigeria. Journal of African Media Studies, 12(1), 21-36.
Adeleke, T. (2022). Surveillance and Self-Censorship: The Impact on Journalistic Freedom in Nigeria. Journal of Media Ethics, 8(2), 120-135.
Adetunji, J. (2017). Boko Haram: The Threat to Nigeria’s National Security. African Security Review, 26(1), 48-58.
Adewale, I. (2022). Truthfulness in Journalism: Navigating the Challenges of Social Media Data. African Journal of Journalism Studies, 9(1), 85-100.
Afolabi, O. (2021). Libel Law and Freedom of the Press in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis. Nigerian Journal of Communications, 9(2), 45-60.
Agu, F. (2020). Defamation and Journalistic Freedom: Legal Challenges in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Media Law, 7(1), 15-30.
Ajayi, O. (2022). Boko Haram and Social Media: A New Era of Propaganda. Journal of Media Studies, 10(1), 25-40.
Akinwumi, O. (2018). The Media and the Nigerian Civil War: A Study of Press Freedom and Censorship. Nigerian Journal of Communication, 10(2), 88-102.
Alabi, I. (2021). Misinformation and the Media: Addressing Challenges in Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 13(2), 29-41.
Aondover, E. M., Ogri, E., Obukoadata, P., & Ogri, O. (2025). Nigerian Media Practitioners, Editorial Freedom and Owners’ Influence: The Continued Triad and Navigation of Conflicting Interests. Editorial Freedom and Owners’ Influence: The Continued Triad and Navigation of Conflicting Interests.
Aondover, E. M., Okuneye, A. P., & Onyejelem, T. E. (2024). Application of new media in peace building and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Journal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies, 6(1), 8.
Aondover, E. M., Tosin, Y. A. N., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Exploring the Application of Social Media in Governance in Nigeria. SIASAT, 10(1), 30-43.
Arowolo, S. (2017). Understanding Framing Theory. 10.13140/RG.2.2.25800.52482.
Bako, M. (2021). Misinformation and Its Impact on Public Health in Nigeria: The Case of COVID-19. Nigerian Journal of Public Health, 7(3), 123-138.
Buzan, B. (1991). People, States and Fear: An Agenda for International Security Studies in the Post-Cold War Era. Harvester Wheatsheaf.
Dibua, J. (2021). Media Representations of Boko Haram: The Challenges of Truth and Context. Journal of African Conflict Resolution, 22(1), 45-60.
Eke, S. (2013). Nigeria and the Struggle for Security. African Security Review, 22(4), 165-178.
Emenyonu, I. (2021). Ethics of Reporting on Violence: Media Coverage of Boko Haram in Nigeria. African Journal of Communication, 9(4), 28-45.
Ezeani, E. (2021). The #EndSARS Protests in Nigeria: The Role of Social Media and Traditional Media. Journal of African Media Studies, 13(2), 233-247.
Fadipe, A. (2019). Media Coverage of the Chibok Kidnapping: Ethical Implications for Journalism in Nigeria. African Journal of Media Studies, 11(3), 19-36.
Fagbemi, A. (2021). Transparency in Journalism: The Ethical Implications of Using Social Media Intelligence. Nigerian Journal of Communication Studies, 5(4), 45-62.
Hile, M. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Secularism and Ethical Issues in Media Practice as a Bane for National Development. SIASAT, 8(3), 166-177.
Ibagere, E. (2010). The Mass Media, the Law and National Security: The Nigerian Perspective. Journal of Social Sciences, 24(2), 121-128. DOI: 10.1080/09718923.2010.11892843.
Ibrahim, A. (2020). COVID-19 and National Security: The Role of Media in Public Awareness. Nigerian Journal of Political Communication, 8(2), 15-29.
Ibrahim, Y. (2022). Social Media and National Security: The Nigerian Context. African Journal of Communication, 7(3), 101-115.
Idris, A. (2021). Surveillance and Censorship in Nigeria: The Ethics of Social Media Intelligence. Journal of Information Ethics, 30(1), 71-84.
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.
Iorpu, E. (2022). Whistleblower Protections in Nigeria: The Need for Reform. African Journal of Law and Politics, 3(1), 57-73.
Keohane, R. O., & Nye, J. S. (1977). Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition. Little, Brown.
Kurfi, M. Y., Msughter, A. E., & Maradun, L. U. (2023). Media Ethics and Power In Multicultural Nigeria. ACSPN
Mbah, A. (2020). Boko Haram and the Media: Ethical Dilemmas in Reporting Terrorism in Nigeria. Journal of African Conflict and Peace Studies, 6(1), 43-58.
McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail's Mass Communication Theory. London: Sage Publications.
Msughter, A. E., & Pate, H. A. (2021). National interest, freedom of expression and the Nigerian press in contemporary democratic context. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos, 6(11).
Msughter, A. E., Hile, M. M., & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2023). Ethical Issues and Insecurity in Africa: The Media Dimension. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10(2), 58-68.
Msughter, A. E., Hile, M. M., & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2023). Ethical Issues and Insecurity in Africa: The Media Dimension. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10(2), 58-68.
Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). (2020). Code of Ethics for Journalists in Nigeria. Retrieved from NUJ Website.
Nte, N. D. (2011). The changing patterns of small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation and the challenges of national security in Nigeria. Global Journal of Social Sciences, 10(1-2), 13-23.
Nwankwo, M. (2021). The Role of the Media in the #EndSARS Movement: Documentation, Advocacy, and Challenges. Nigerian Journal of Social Sciences, 12(4), 205-220.
Nwanne, C. (2021). Media Narratives and Public Response: The Case of National Security in Nigeria. Journal of African Communication Research, 13(1), 79-94.
Nwodo, C. (2023). The Changing Landscape of Journalism in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges. Media Ethics Journal, 11(2), 42-58.
Nwodo, E. (2021). Legislating Freedom: The Hate Speech Bill and Its Implications for Journalism in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Communication Studies, 9(1), 67-82.
Obi, C. (2022). Investigative Journalism in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities in Reporting National Security. Journal of African Journalism Studies, 10(1), 60-75.
Ogundipe, S. (2023). The Ethics of Data Collection in Journalism: A Focus on Social Media Intelligence. Media and Society Journal, 11(3), 200-215.
Ogunleye, O. (2022). SOCMINT and National Security: Ethical Considerations for Policy Makers. Nigerian Journal of Security Studies, 6(2), 77-90.
Ogunleye, T. (2021). Self-Censorship in Nigerian Journalism: The Impact of National Security Laws. Media Ethics Review, 13(4), 34-50.
Ogunyemi, K. (2022). Social Media as a Tool for National Security Monitoring. Nigerian Journal of Security Studies, 5(1), 34-47.
Ogunyemi, O. (2022). Journalism and National Security: Ethical Considerations in Nigeria. African Journal of Journalism Studies, 13(2), 115-130.
Ojo, A. (2021). The Official Secrets Act and Its Implications for Media Freedom in Nigeria. African Journal of Law and Society, 9(1), 77-92.
Okeke, D. (2021). Social Media and National Security: Challenges for Journalism in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Political Communication, 9(1), 34-50.
Okon, E. (2022). The Impact of Social Media on Traditional Journalism in Nigeria. Journal of African Journalism, 8(4), 15-28.
Olatunji, O. (2019). Journalism Under Fire: The Risks of Reporting on Boko Haram. Media, War & Conflict, 12(2), 177-194.
Omojuwa, J. (2021). Reporting Kidnappings in Nigeria: Sensationalism vs. Ethical Responsibility. Journal of Media Ethics, 8(3), 142-157.
Omotola, J. (2021). Freedom of Information in Nigeria: An Assessment of the Act's Implementation. Nigerian Journal of Public Policy, 8(3), 90-105.
Onabajo O. (2021). Ethical Issues in Media Practice in Nigeria: The Objective Question. In F. A. Yusuf, L. Oso, A. O. Ogwezzy-Ndisika, I. Okoye & U. Pate (Eds.), Issues in Fourth and Fifth Estates of the Realm: Festschrift on Professor Ralph Afolabi Akinfeleye (pp. 40-56). Lagos: University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Limited.
Onuoha, F. (2014). The Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: A Threat to National Security. In F. Onuoha & R. M. L. Kuye (Eds.), Nigerian National Security: A Critical Analysis (pp. 61-78). Lagos: Concept Publications.
Paris, R. (2001). Human security: Paradigm shift or hot air?. International Security, 26(2), 87-102.
Plaisance, P. L. (2009). Media Ethics: A Philosophical Approach to the Law. Journal of Mass Media Ethics, 24(4), 280-284.
Shapley, D. (1982). The Media and National Security. Daedalus, 111(4), 199-209. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20024825.
Wahl-Jorgensen, K. (2020). The Ethics of Journalism: New Challenges for the Twenty-First Century. Cambridge University Press.
Waltz, K. N. (1979). Theory of International Politics. McGraw-Hill.
Ward, S. J. A. (2010). Ethics and the Media: What is Media Ethics?. In S. J. A. Ward (Ed.), The Media Ethics Handbook (pp. 1-20). New York: Routledge.