Abstract
The essence of this chapter is to examine the challenges in the global media reportage of counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria. Boko-Haram and other terrorists' activities in Nigeria have remained security threats to the stability of Nigeria, the West African sub-region, and the entire African continent. They have succeeded in instilling fear in the minds of the local population, destruction of worships centers and houses. However, the military onslaught against Boko-Haram by the Nigerian defence forces has continued unabated. Through their respective reportage, the global media has continued to produce international context on war against terror activities in Nigeria. In carrying out their tasks, they have faced a series of challenges given the importance of their reports in shaping both local and international public opinion about counter-terrorism operations in the country. These criticisms have emanated from state actors, the security forces, the local media, and domestic opinion.
TopIntroduction
Terrorism is the greatest threat to international security. Globalization has significantly influenced the spate of terrorism for event in one part of the globe has a direct or an indirect impact on others (Amina et al, 2020, p.1). For decades, new type of terrorism has been quietly gathering ranks in the world. Through their operations they mercilessly slaughter thousands of people of all races and religion (Sageman, 2005, pp.1-2). With greater resources and less political concerns, terrorist groups constitute a significant danger to humanity (Bruce, 1954, p.62).
Media coverage of terrorism matters. Terrorism is a means of sending a message and the media provide the channel by which that message is carried, beyond the immediate victims, to reach a mass audience (Mark, 2007, p.283). Media and terrorism are intertwined such that one cannot exist without the other. They work together in delivering messages that shapes public attitudes and perception about terror activities across the globe.
This chapter examines aspects of the media communication on counterterrorism operations in Nigeria. However, it implements specific focus on the international media reportage of counterterrorism in Nigeria. The international media in this context are the media that are outside the sovereign States like Nigeria besieged by terrorist activities. The study adopts a narrative approach for data analysis and relied on primary and secondary sources for data analysis namely books, journal articles, foreign and local online newspapers and internet sources. Through their reportage, the global media has continued to produce international context on war against terror in Nigeria. The worldwide outreach of the international media has caused a lot of distress among the security agencies who often complained about media bias and propaganda in their operations. Engagement in the investigation of counterterrorism operations by the global media have brought them into collision course with the Nigerian government and security forces. These have undermined the collective efforts in fight against insurgency and emboldened the terrorists in the conduct of their operations in Nigeria.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Nigeria: Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa; geographically situated between the Sahel to the north, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south in the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria borders Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west. Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, where the capital, Abuja, is located. The largest city in Nigeria is Lagos, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and the second-largest in Africa.
Boko Haram: Boko Haram, officially known as Jamaat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Dawah wal-Jihad, is a terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria, which is also active in Chad, Niger, and Northern Cameroon.
Operations: It is performance of a practical work or of something involving the practical application of principles or processes.
Counterterrorism: It an exercise aims to reduce the risks from terrorism, so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence. Prevent: to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
ISWAP: The Islamic States West Africa Province is a militant group and administrative division of the Islamic State: a Salafi jihadist militant group and unrecognised proto-state. ISWAP is primarily active in the Chad Basin, and fights an extensive insurgency against the states of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
International Media: International media is a concept that grew from many theoretical approaches and technological advances. It is communication from varied media that shape our global context through various political, economic, social, and cultural factors.