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The BBC in Nigeria – Between Reporting and Propagating Terror – By Kadaria Ahmed

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4 years ago

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Kadaria Ahmad

It has simply gotten out of hand.

Journalists and now a global media organisation of repute, the BBC, which should know better, are becoming a tool for terrorists, even if unwittingly, by amplifying the faces, voices and stories of killers and marauders who are still operating with impunity across Nigeria.

The public interest argument seems to have been misunderstood, some may even say misrepresented, to enable sensationalist reporting that is very unlikely to be allowed on screens in the United Kingdom. By not upholding the same standards as they would uphold in the UK, in their work in Nigeria, the BBC Africa Eye producers in their latest documentary titled ‘The Bandits Warlords of Zamfara’ have provided a global platform to terrorists and can be accused of becoming an accomplice to terror in the name of reporting it.

When Communications Professor at the University of Toronto Mahmoud Eid coined the term Terroredia, in his book Exchanging Terrorism Oxygen for Media Airwaves, Eid argues that there is now a ‘relationship between terrorists and media professionals in which acts of terrorism and media coverage are exchanged, influenced, and fuelled by one another.’ Since it was written 7 years ago, it would appear the case Eid was trying to make is now quite self-evident, especially in Nigeria where increasingly, propaganda videos and statements by terror groups as well as features on terror leaders are finding their way into mainstream media. We can now easily identify, for example, the faces of the major kingpins responsible for the widespread kidnappings and killings that are occurring on a daily basis in the Northern part of Nigeria, no thanks to having their pictures and videos splashed all over the pages of newspapers and on our television screens almost as if they are Nollywood A-listers.

None of this has ‘helped’ our inept government, led by President Muhamadu Buhari, to find and arrest these blood-thirsty criminals. The ‘pressure’ has also not stopped the administration from playing ostrich and finding an effective way of tackling insecurity. These are some of the public interest arguments put forward by those defending the featuring of predatory criminals on national and now international media platforms.

2023 Elections: IPAC Rejects Purported Deployment of Yusuf Kolo as Kano CP

The arguments also include an assertion that hearing from terrorists helps us better understand the conflicts and therefore come up with solutions. Under the guise of public interest, this is the argument that BBC Africa Eye seems to be presenting, to justify its decision to actively give copious screen time to self-confessed murderers and kidnappers, who are still actively involved in attacking communities, killing, kidnapping, pillaging and generally making life brutish and a living hell for the people of Nigeria’s North-western State of Zamfara and beyond.

The two promotional clips released for the documentary, the Bandits Warlords of Zamfara , feature a marauder who should remain nameless here, confirming that he was part of those who raided Jengebe girls’ secondary school in the state, abducting over 300 students with the attendant horror of these sorts of crimes normally entail, and releasing them, after the payment of ransom. Evidently, the BBC Africa Eye team also had no problem utilising footage that appears to have been shot by these self-confessed criminals because this makes it into the second trailer. No media of repute would take this decision because it is generally understood that these sorts of videos are recorded by terrorists for one thing and one thing only: propaganda.

Reports of the documentary in national newspapers also quote one of the featured criminals boasting, in the documentary, that he only kills, and doesn’t kidnap for ransom. This is the nature of the program that the ‘reputable’ BBC Africa Eye is positioning as having a public interest imperative.

To be clear, the current state of insecurity and all that it entails is the fault of the Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, and he must be held responsible for the carnage and state of anarchy engulfing the nation. That does not however mean irresponsible reporting by the media, which after all should champion the common man, should not be challenged.

If terrorists were killing and kidnapping British citizens, especially young children, the BBC would not enable interviews by the perpetrators, particularly if they were still roaming footloose and fancy-free, without an iota of remorse for their crimes and also carrying out many more. The trauma to the psyche of the British public will be unbearable, and the BBC would not be willing to pay that price, or risk the legal consequences sure to ensue.

In the era of the Irish Republican Army, the IRA, for example, the group didn’t make it onto the airwaves of the BBC. Indeed, reporting of the activities of the political party seen as the political arm of the IRA, Sein Fein, was heavily censored. Every time they spoke, the BBC deleted their voices and replaced them with those of actors, in obedience to British Government directives which were put in place because the authorities believed publicity is like air for ‘terrorists’ groups, helping them to grow and thrive. And even though Sein Fein shared what many might argue is only an ideological position with the IRA, they were denied a presence on British airwaves in substantial ways.

Here in Nigeria, concerns about the impact the amplification of terrorists’ voices will have both on victims, their families and the public appear to be a secondary consideration to the BBC’s insistence on hearing from the bandits’ first-hand accounts and justification for their murderous activities.

There is no good argument that can justify the damage this is doing to the public that includes the school girls in Jangebe, who can now in perpetuity, watch the story of their abductions from the mouth of their abductors and relive the attendant trauma of that horrible crime.

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For all of these school girls, victims and their families, the BBC Africa Eye has confirmed their attackers’ invincibility. By documenting and handing over on a platter of gold one of the most respected media brands in the world to justify their actions, the BBC has iconised violent men leading marauding militias that are killing, abducting, maiming and leaving terror in their wake across large sways of Nigeria and who are clearly neither sorry for their crime nor looking to stop anytime soon.

It is hard to see how this will not contribute to deepening fear, mistrust, hopelessness and damage to the national psyche while undoubtedly helping with recruitment, all ingredients that actively contribute to successful outcomes for terror groups.

The public’s right to know is a sacrosanct tenant of journalists who are not and should not be in the job of censoring news. Finding the balance between that and ensuring media platforms do not provide the oxygen of publicity for terrorists and criminals is not easy, but it is at these difficult junctures that good journalism needs to stand its ground.

Recognising the importance of getting it right globally, experts including those at the BBC have taken the trouble to develop guidelines for reporting difficult stories including stories of conflict and terrorism. The German Press Code for example says “in reporting actual and threatened acts of violence, the Press should carefully weigh the public’s interest in information against the interest of victims and other people involved. It should report on such incidents in an independent and authentic way, but not allow itself to be made the tool of criminals. Nor should it undertake independent attempts to mediate between criminals and the police. THERE MUST BE NO INTERVIEWS WITH PERPETRATORS DURING ACTS OF VIOLENCE.’’

The German guidelines are unequivocal about not giving airtime to criminals involved in ongoing criminal activities and for very good reason. The BBC’s editorial guidelines are more watery, perhaps explaining why the BBC Africa Eye team is able to be cavalier about such a critical issue. But even these guidelines say “any proposal to approach an organisation (or an individual member of an organisation) designated a ‘terrorist group’ by the Home Secretary under the Terrorism Acts, and any proposal to approach individuals or organisations responsible for acts of terror, to participate in our output must be referred in advance to Director Editorial Policy and Standard and also any proposal to broadcast content made by perpetrators of a hijacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking or siege must be referred to a senior editorial figure.’’

The questions to answer therefore include: did senior people in London at the BBC fully understood that they were authorizing the recording of terrorists who are still active and who between them have been responsible for the abduction, rape and killings of thousands of people including school children?

There are other questions.

When homeland terrorists committed the inconceivable crime of hacking British soldier Lee Rigby to death in May 2013, would the BBC have considered it in the public interest to interview these terrorists? To compare apples with apples, imagine that hero Rigby’s murderers were never held for their crimes, continued butchering people and collecting seven figure ransoms., would the BBC dare to send reporters to film the murderers gloating about collecting ransom, and then hold Twitter Spaces and bask in views, clicks and likes?
The answer is NO. The BBC would never dare.

Why then is the BBC okay to fund, then publicise the glorification of practicing murderers still butchering hundreds across Nigeria and the Chad Basin? How did this three-year disregard for African lives come about, and why is this acceptable?

By their own admission, the BBC Africa Eye producers claim their reporting occurred over three-years. This is clearly well before the crime against the school girls in Jangebe occurred. These bandits and their factions commit cross-border crimes. Therefore, as a matter of urgent national and regional security, other questions which the BBC must answer publicly, in the actual interest of the public include:

1. In all these years it was conducting these ‘investigations’ of terrorists, did the BBC harbour information on potential criminal or or actual crimes they happened an did the BBC withhold this information from the relevant African security authorities?

2. After the particular interviews in which the murderers admit their collection of ransoms, and committing acts of kidnap, did the BBC hand over any of this footage to the authorities, and do so in a timely manner?

3. What footage and information has the BBC handed over to law enforcement, since the publication of this documentary?

In covering a subset of criminals for three years, the BBC has brazenly admitted that it was shooting criminals before, during and after the commission of dastardly crimes that have destroyed generations present and unborn.

The BBC Africa Eye documentaries series have been designed specifically for release on social media platforms (Facebook and YouTube). Given the programme’s track record of dubious editorial decisions and accusations of unethical behaviour including by local reporters who worked with them, BBC managers in London should also explain if the decision to put this documentary out on social media was designed to ensure its producers are not held to the high global broadcast standards the BBC is known for and which are applicable to content broadcast within the UK?

When BBC Africa Eye did a story on drug addiction in Nigeria, there were attempts by a producer to sensationalize some of the reporting, to make it more gripping. On that occasion, he was working with a seasoned and brave journalist who pushed back.

When they did a story on Sex for Grades, the two reporters responsible for the story ended up trading blame on social media over sex for by-line allegations. Again, the producers didn’t come out smelling of roses.

An investigative report by them on a popular talk show host in Nigeria who is revered by millions saw the journalist who did that reporting flee his home together with his family as a result of threats to his life. The BBC failed in its duty of care to this local journalist and in the end fellow journalists had to rally around to provide him with safe spaces.

In all, the team at BBC Africa Eye appear to be striving to do reporting that would be unacceptable in the UK for being unethical and transparently against public interest.

The problem is they have capitalised on the justified anger of the people and the inconceivable failure of the government, to once again resurrect the ugliest vestiges of colonialism, which one had hoped were long buried.

The unfolding anarchy and violence in Nigeria are serious matters, and every attempt must be made to keep the public informed. A documentary that investigates and examines government failures while centring victims and their families would have done that.

Giving boastful, bloodthirsty criminals a global platform serves only two purposes. It provides free publicity for terror and enables the BBC to push viewership figures on social media.

It does nothing for public service. Even if it does not realise it, the BBC’s reputation for stellar public service journalism is being damaged.

Black lives, their humanity and national security, should matter more than clicks.

Hopefully someone in London will take note.

Kadaria Ahmed was a Senior Producer at the BBC in London and is now CEO at Radio Now 95.3FM Lagos

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Opinion

Political Juggernaut And Stabilizer Of Reckon

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5 hours ago

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January 27, 2026

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Dan Sa’idu Mamman Gaya

The ongoing political shake-up navigating the Kano’s political atmosphere will ultimately lead to alignment and realignment of political forces. Positions, both elective and appointive will be adjusted to align with the new coalition. This is with a view to striking balance, provide the necessary shocks to accommodate members of the ruling Al Progressives Congress (APC).
Since the news of resignation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) broke, the political atmosphere in Kano state has been tensed and filled with high degree of uncertainty which has led to the sharp division of the Kwankwasiyya movement into those in favour of the impending defection of the Governor to All Progressives Congress (APC), led by key confidants of the Governor and those oppose to the move led by the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Naturally, when there is such a political development, positions are likely to be affected and realigned to suit the desired political stability and balance. In the instant case of the defection of Governor Yusuf from NNPP to the APC, which triggered division among the Kwankwasiyya adherents, there are indications that the office of the Deputy Governor might ultimately become vacant owing to the adamant posture of the current occupier of the office, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam who apparently pitch tent with those that are opposed to the defection of the Governor. The likely thing to happen with the eventual vacation of the office by the Deputy Governor either voluntarily or to be consumed by the consequential political adjustment, the realignment will create a vacant deputy governor’s position.
The governor’s defection may lead to the impeachment of the deputy governor at worst, or he might decide to follow the path of honour by resigning the position.

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In the event of the eventual Deputy Governor’s exit, the task of replacement becomes a priority and a matter of serious consideration for political stability and balance of power in the state. In this regard, the process of choosing a new Deputy Governor must be matched with the necessary tact and strategy and forward thinking. Already, there are schemings and discreet moves by interested individuals and groups that are promoting certain individuals to replace the Deputy Governor in his eventual exit as the number two citizen of the state.
Among the frontrunners for the replacement of the Deputy Governor is a former Commissioner for Local Government, Honourable Murtala Sule Garo whose choice is seen as most strategic, suitable, appropriate, right and apt for stability and balance of the Abba Kabir Yusuf government and political structure. Those who favour Honourable Murtala Sule Garo to emerge as the next Deputy Governor hinged their argument on some sterling qualities of Honourable Garo among which include his strong political structure that cuts across the entire length and breadth of Kano State. Loyalty and commitment as displayed in his previous assignments both as Local Government Chairman and later Commissioner for Local Government has made him the best option so far. Honourable Garo’s political influence came to the fore when he aspired for Kano Governorship in 2023 where his political strength, doggedness, dexterity and spread made him to secure the Deputy Governorship ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) after the party primaries, owing to the fact that he was a force to reckon with since APC was deeply committed and determined to win the governorship election.
Those behind the moves for the emergence of Honourable Sule Garo as the next Deputy Governor are of the view that fairness, justice and equity are essential components of democracy hence maintaining the Deputy Governorship seat in Kano North Senatorial district where Honourable Garo hails from will solidify the support base of the APC and by extension that of the Governor. This is even more so, as the zone has always been a stronghold of the APC. The APC has maintained control of the Kano north senatorial district even in the face of the NNPP’s 2023 winning streak that swept across the entire Kano’s political landscape. Unarguably, Honourable Garo’s unmatched influence and strong political grip in the Kano North remains the secret of the continuous relevance and dominance of the APC in the zone, hence his choice as the next Deputy Governor will ultimately solidify APC in the zone and better prepare Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a smooth return to Government House come 2027. A word is enough for the wise.

Mamman contributes this piece from Kaduna.

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Opinion

Why Garo Deserves Deputy Governor Position Under Kano’s New Political Equation

Published

6 hours ago

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January 27, 2026

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By Najeebullah Ibrahim Soron Dinki

As Kano State witnesses renewed political realignment and coalition-building, attention is increasingly shifting from slogans to substance.
At the heart of this transition lies a crucial question; as the current Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo who stick to NNPP bow out, while the Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf defect to APC. What is it likely to happen to the vacant deputy governor’s position when he finally vacate the seat? Who among the political figures will Governor Abba choose to replace him and equally fly the ticket with him in his second term bid?
A politician that can fit in and eventually complement the governor, must be a person with credibility, balance, and grassroots strength. He must be the best bet for this position. In this unfolding conversation, Murtala Sule Garo emerges as a compelling and strategic choice for the Deputy Governor position.

Kano politics has always been decided from the bottom up. Elections are however not won in conference rooms alone but at polling units, wards, and local government areas. This reality places a premium on leaders with authentic grassroots connections—leaders who understand the language, needs, and aspirations of ordinary people. Garo’s political journey reflects precisely this grounding.

Unlike many whose influence is limited to elite circles, Murtala Sule Garo’s relevance has been forged through sustained engagement with grassroots structures. His political capital is built on trust, loyalty, and accessibility. These are not abstract virtues; they translate directly into mobilization, trust, and electoral resilience—assets any serious coalition must prioritize.

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Beyond grassroots appeal, Garo brings valuable experience in public service and political administration. The office of Deputy Governor demands more than ceremonial presence. It requires a steady hand capable of managing sensitive political relationships, coordinating government priorities, and serving as a reliable bridge between leadership and the people. Garo’s background positions him to perform this role with competence and restraint.

Coalition politics, by nature, thrives on inclusion and unity. Kano’s emerging coalition must accommodate diverse interests, heal divisions, and project stability. Garo’s ability to maintain cordial relationships across political lines marks him out as a consensus builder, not a polarizing figure. In a state as politically vibrant as Kano, this quality is indispensable.

Electorally, the value of a deputy governorship candidate lies in added strength, not symbolic balance alone. Garo’s extensive grassroots networks, youth engagement, and familiarity with local political dynamics give the coalition an edge where it matters most—on election day.

In the final analysis, the Deputy Governor’s slot should reinforce credibility, expand reach, and stabilize governance. Murtala Sule Garo represents a blend of grassroots legitimacy, political maturity, and unifying potential. For a coalition seeking victory and effective governance in Kano State, his candidacy deserves serious consideration.

As Kano stands at the threshold of a new political chapter, choices made today will shape governance tomorrow. Selecting leaders rooted in the people remains the surest path forward. In this regard, the cap fits Hon. Murtala Sule Garo.

Najibullah Wrote from Kaduna

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Opinion

Taming Insecurity in Kano : As DSP Barau Visits Troops, Launches Grand Empowerment in Kano North

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1 day ago

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January 26, 2026

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Taming Insecurity in Kano : As DSP Barau Visits Troops, Launches Grand Empowerment in Kano North

By Abba Anwar

It takes a patriotic and humane political leader, to visit joint troops in their camps, that are placed to crush bandits on one hand. And to start implementing a round – year grand empowerment programme for his immediate constituency, on the other hand.

To boost the morale of our joint security troops, including soldiers, police and civil defence operatives, that were deployed to four various camps in Gwarzo, Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas of Kano North Senatorial District, the Deputy Senate President Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, paid them special visits to their various camps.

The troops were sent on the swift response by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, over the quick request by DSP Barau, concerning recent bandits’ incursion in the aforementioned local government areas, within the parameters of the DSP’s Senatorial constituency. The bandits started attacking some border communities from the neighboring states.

In all the four camps he visited, he interacted with the troops directly, assuring them of President Tinubu’s unwavering support to successfully crush marauding criminals. Ensuring that, he would also do everything humanly possible to see to their victorious accomplishment of their national assignment. To gallantly crush the bandits.

At Lakwaya camp, in Gwarzo local government, he narrated how he reported the incidents of bandits’ incursion, immediately after they stroke, to the President. He disclosed that, “When that happened (bandits’ incursion), we talked to Mr President. For the reason that, it was something that had to do with the security of land, we didn’t come out and say what exactly we were doing to get rid of those bunch of criminals.”

To reveal how President Tinubu was concerned with the situation, as he does to all other parts of the country, DSP said, “Our dear President, acted swiftly by giving directives to all heads of security agencies in the country to quickly respond. To rescue the situation. The result is the presence of these security personnel. Whom I encouraged to make sure they crush those bandits. I know our troops are capable of doing that.”

At some points during the visits, he addressed the affected communities in the presence of the troops. Which also serves as improving security – civilians relations. One of the best security strategies even in modern day security system. As he called on the communities to always support and cooperate with the security agencies with necessary intelligence and prayers.

To keep the momentum of the troops’ patriotism with gallant engagement and committed determination, he said, “Since you arrived in this area, you have been doing all you can to restore peace and tranquillity to our people. I’m here to thank you for putting your lives on the line to ensure our people live in peace and tranquillity. On behalf of the people of this area, the people of Kano North Senatorial District, and Kano State at large, we thank you for your efforts to safeguard the lives of our people.”

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Because of the dire need in him, to see to peaceful communities, that started feeling unsafe few weeks back, he insisted to the troops, across the four different locations that, “Please go after these people who don’t want peace in our land, the bandits who are terrorising our people. Chase them wherever they are and flush them out of this area and indeed the entire area. We are hopeful you will be able to do so!

The visits were absolutely commendable and were described as patriotism at its peak. To the extent that, he, the Distinguished Senator inspected a parade by the troops, led by the JTF Commander in Gwarzo, Lt Abdullahi Sadiq. That he did in the company of the Garrison Commander of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Kano, Lieutenant Colonel I. Ekoh and other top brass of the security agencies.

Understanding the application of force with the locals’ support, he equally believes that, an honest empowerment initiative would make local recruitment impossible, as preventive measure, against expansion of bandits’ influence. Hence the coming on board of Grand Empowerment programme across his constituency, Kano North Senatorial District.

The day he slated, yesterday Sunday, for troops visits, two of his closest Aides, Shitu Madaki Kunchi
Special Assistant Media and Publicity and Prof. Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, Chief of Staff, kick-started the Grand Empowerment programme in Dawakin Tofa local government.

Grant of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) was given to each of the selected 100 people. As the remaining local governments from the zone, will get the same grants for the same number of potential beneficiaries. The exercise continues for 12 months. A round-year engagement of beneficiaries.

Across the 13 local governments from his constituency, Kano North, a total number of 1,300 people will benefit from the programme for each month of the year. At N100,000 only per individual beneficiary. Meaning, 18,000 people are set to benefit from this arrangement, for Kano North alone.

Shitu reiterated to all, during the flag-off event, that, the same arrangement would be on board for Kano Central zone and Kano South zone respectively. The total number of beneficiaries per zone is to be determined by the number of local governments in each Senatorial District.

As rightly pointed out by Shitu, part of the DSP’s strategy in finding a some lasting solutions to insecurity experiences, is to properly and productively engage citizens of different age categories, in the empowerment programme. Most of the beneficiaries, who were able to meet Shitu at the occasion, gave him strong worded promise, to convey to the Deputy Senate President, that, they would give all the needed support and cooperation for the security and development of their areas, Kano state and the nation at large.

As part of the package for the grand empowerment the Distinguished Senator sets aside 130 vehicles to be distributed to transport associations to boost transport system in his constituency. As he set aside1,000
motorcycles for riders, teachers and students. As part of the programme.

Not only that, he included in the effort, SME tools for our youth and women. With this distribution a total number of 1,300 sewing machines, 1,300 grinding machines, 1,300 deep‑freezers and 1,300 noodle‑making machines with flour, plus 1,300 bicycles for school kids, are provided, as events for this category is by the doorstep. Another platform for security booster in his constituency.

Making the minds of our youth, so much engaging in both business and sports, so as to divert their, near-idle minds, or restless minds at best, makes part of the shopping list for the Senator’s workable interventions in weakening any process or would – be-process of attracting such minds to crimes and violence.

It is under this, he included, as part of the community engagement, provision of jerseys and footballs to football teams across his constituency. Before coming down to Kano Central and Kano South Senatorial Zones. Under this engagement, jerseys and footballs for 1,950 teams (150 teams per LGA), are already on ground for distribution.

Anwar writes from Kano
Monday, 26th January, 2026

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