Abstract

The intersection of media and national security in Nigeria presents unique ethical challenges, shaped by the country’s political, social, and economic contexts. Navigating the ethical landscape between media and national security requires careful consideration of various principles, including freedom of the press, the right to know, accuracy, accountability, and the potential risks involved. The paper utilises secondary data and adopts the postulation of the Issue Attention Cycle Theory. The paper argues that in journalistic engagement, ethics plays a central and critical role in the issue of national security in Nigeria, particularly in establishing credibility in the gathering, processing, and delivery of information to ensure its believability. The challenges of national security in Nigeria are often accelerated due to how the media handle such issues. The paper concludes that the relationship between media and national security is complex, involving a delicate balance between the public's right to know and the need to protect sensitive information. Balancing the ethical issues between media and national security involves transparency, accountability, and the protection of sensitive information. Responsible journalism must weigh the public’s right to know against potential risks to national security.

Key Words: Ethical Issues, National Security, Media, Public, Issues Attention Cycle Theory

About the Authors

* Solomon Abiodun Oyeleye, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria. His research interests include risk communication about climate change, health communication as well as the future of Journalism.

** Omotola Elizabeth Ogunbola, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria. Her interests include Film studies, public relations, Communication around Development as well as Digital media.

*** Funmi Mustapha Falobi is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria. Her interests include Development Communication, Gender and Media Studies and Journalism.

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, Special Issue 4, January 2026, pp. 137-141.

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

Article Citation

Oyeleye, S. A., Ogunbola, O. E. & Falobi, F. M. (2026). Ethical issues and national security: The media dimension. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (1, SP.4): 137-141.

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