Abstract

This study investigates the complex dynamics of kidnapping in Nigeria by analyzing how victim characteristics and experiences are portrayed in selected newspapers’ narratives. Drawing on Feminist Security Theory (FST), the study explores how gender and socio-economic status shape victimhood. The study specifically aims to examine the demographic characteristics of victims, identify the reported outcomes such as ransom payment, escape, molestation, or fatality. Adopting content analysis, the study examines 30 purposively selected sampled news stories published between January 2024 and March 2025 from the online editions of Daily Trust and Daily Sun newspapers. The analysis of the data reveals that men were more frequently reported as victims in fatal incidents, while women and adolescent girls disproportionately faced molestation and sexual violence. Victim experiences ranged from different form of molestation, ransom-induced release, with some successfully escaping through security agents’ interventions. The portrayal of perpetrators was often vague, labeled simply as “bandits” or “Fulani kidnappers,” contributing to ethnic and regional stereotypes without addressing systemic causes. The study recommends gender-sensitive security policies, improved local vigilance, and ethical journalism. Some of the study’s limitations include the narrow media scope and time frame, suggesting the need for future triangulation with interviews and official records.

Key Words:  Kidnapping, Content analysis, Feminist Security Theory, Nigeria, Victimhood,

About the Authors

* Musa Umar Muhammad, Ph.D, is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State. His research interests span diverse areas, including Communication and Media Studies, Mass Media and Security Studies, and Film and Cultural Studies.

** Salamatu Dango Eshi is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State. Her research interest includes Media Studies, Gender Communication, Political Communication, Digital Media Communication and Media and Terrorism Studies.

*** Madaki Akwe Aliyu is a broadcaster and a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State. His areas of specializations include, broadcasting journalism and new media.

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 17, No. 2, October 2025, pp. 49-63

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

Article Citation

Muhammad, M. U., Eshi, S. D. & Aliyu, M. A. (2025). Kidnapping in Nigeria: Content analysis of victims’ characteristics and experiences in selected Nigerian newspapers. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 17 (2): 49-63.

Full Article

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