INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CRITICAL INQUIRIES (IJOCIN)

This paper critically examines media independence and the integrity of conflict management in selected Nigerian newspapers, namely The Guardian, The Nation, Daily Sun and The Chronicle. It focuses on the coverage of religious fundamentalism, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, and pastoralist-herder attacks between April 2024 and May 2025. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and employs Agenda-Setting Theory as its theoretical framework to examine how the media select, prioritise and frame conflict and national security issues for public attention. The theory emphasises the media's capacity to influence the issues that the public considers important through the prominence and frequency given to particular events and issues. From this perspective, the Nigerian press serves as an important watchdog and agenda setter, particularly in reporting conflicts and drawing public and governmental attention to security challenges. However, concerns remain regarding political interference, ownership influence and the limited autonomy of some media organisations, particularly where newspapers are owned or supported by individuals with political interests. Such influences may affect editorial independence and raise questions about the objectivity and fidelity of conflict reportage. Despite these challenges, Nigerian newspapers continue to play significant roles in informing the public, shaping discourse and drawing attention to conflict situations. The paper argues that limited media autonomy can undermine effective conflict management when reportage is influenced by partisan or political interests. It therefore cautions against propaganda journalism and recommends that government and media proprietors reduce undue interference in editorial processes and strengthen media independence to promote accurate, balanced and responsible conflict reporting.

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