As part of efforts to improve national security and strengthen public trust in governance, the federal government has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call yesterday in Abuja at a National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS).
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, media executives and communication experts to examine how both sectors can work more effectively in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Idris said the media and security institutions play complementary roles in safeguarding the nation, noting that both are essential to stability, unity and development.
According to him, “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. Both institutions share a common objective: safeguarding the national interest and promoting peace, unity and development.
The minister acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face complex security threats, including terrorism.
Banditry, cybercrime, organised crime, misinformation and separatist agitations.
Urging coordinated responses, however, he stressed that stronger collaboration built on professionalism, mutual trust and respect would enhance security operations and improve public confidence in government efforts.
Idris further stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritised security through a multi-pronged strategy combining military action, intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, technology deployment and community engagement, “recognising that no meaningful development can occur without peace and stability.”
Meanwhile, he said security agencies have recorded gains by neutralising and arresting terrorist and criminal elements, dismantling hideouts and rescuing kidnapped victims across the country.
According to him, sustained operations have weakened terrorist networks in the North-East, while intensified efforts against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central have produced positive results.
Among others, Idris disclosed that the government has invested in modern equipment, surveillance systems, intelligence infrastructure and capacity building to enhance the effectiveness of security operations, and was also addressing underlying causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, infrastructure development, education and social intervention programmes.
However, he warned the media against spreading misinformation and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms, noting that unverified reports could undermine national security efforts.
According to him, “national security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. 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.”
To that end, he urged newsmen to maintain high standards of professionalism, accuracy and ethics, while encouraging security agencies to improve transparency and timely communication with the public.