Content Analysis of Nigerian Press Coverage of Banditry: A Study of Select Nigerian Newspapers

Abstract

This study assesses newspapers coverage of banditry in Nigeria. Hinged on the agenda setting theory, the study uses quantitative content analysis (QCA) to determine the frequency, prominence and depth accorded to the issue of banditry. The coding sheet was used as the primary instrument for data collection. The population of the study constitute 3,650 editions of The Nation, The Punch, Daily Trust, Leadership and the Sun newspapers published from January 1st, 2022 to December 31st, 2024. Using the multi-stage sampling procedures, 160 editions of select newspapers were systematically selected and analyzed. Simple percentage and frequency tables were used to analyze the data. Findings however, reveal amongst other things that, even though the issue of banditry was frequently reported by the select Nigerian newspapers 127, it was not given high prominence 90 and much depth as majority of the stories were reported using 2-columns spread 73. The study therefore concludes that, editors-in-chief, reporters, and desk editors of the select Nigerian newspapers should accord the issue of banditry the desired attention by making it prominent, treating it with depth and giving it priority through proper placements.