The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies to enhance national stability, peace, and development across the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday while speaking at a National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
According to Idris, both the media and security agencies play critical roles in safeguarding the nation’s interests and ensuring sustainable development.
“While security agencies are entrusted with protecting lives, property, and national sovereignty, the media serves as the watchdog of society, the marketplace of ideas, and the bridge between government and citizens,” he said.
“Both institutions share a common objective: safeguarding the national interest and promoting peace, unity, and development.”
The minister stressed that a partnership founded on professionalism, trust, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of each institution’s responsibilities would strengthen national security and improve public confidence in government institutions.
He noted that Nigeria continues to face several security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised crime, misinformation, and separatist agitations.
Idris said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made security a key component of its Renewed Hope Agenda, pursuing a multi-dimensional approach to tackle insecurity.
“Recognising that no meaningful development can occur without peace and stability, the administration has pursued a comprehensive security strategy that combines military action, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, technological innovation, and community engagement,” he stated.
The minister said security agencies have recorded significant successes in recent operations, including the arrest and neutralisation of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.
He added that several criminal hideouts and camps had been dismantled, while hundreds of kidnapped victims had been rescued across the country.
According to him, ongoing military operations have weakened terrorist groups in the North-East, while intensified offensives against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central have yielded positive results.
Idris further disclosed that the Federal Government has continued to invest in military hardware, intelligence infrastructure, surveillance technologies, and capacity building for security personnel.
He added that efforts are also being made to address the underlying causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, infrastructure development, education, and social intervention programmes.
Speaking on the role of the media, the minister underscored the importance of responsible journalism, particularly in an era marked by the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification,” Idris said.
“Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored. The challenge before us is to strike the right balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative of protecting national security.”
He urged journalists to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting in the discharge of their duties.
The minister also encouraged security agencies to strengthen engagement with the media through timely, credible, and transparent communication.
Idris reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to fostering constructive engagement between media organisations and security institutions through dialogue, capacity building, strategic communication, and public enlightenment programmes.
