The Federal Government has called on Nigerian media organisations to exercise greater editorial discretion in reporting security issues, urging journalists to avoid giving terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups prominent publicity through front-page coverage.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Thursday during a two-day National Security Summit held in Abuja. The event was organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) under the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
Addressing participants, Idris stressed that while press freedom remains a fundamental pillar of democracy, journalists must balance their reporting responsibilities with national interests.
“Yes, we have to do our work, we have to report whatever happens, but you must know that the best reporter, the best editor, is the one that knows what not to report in the interest of nation-building,” the minister said.
He specifically urged editors to reconsider the prominence given to stories about terrorist attacks and criminal activities.
“Please, take these terrorists and criminals off your front pages. This is what they crave for, free of charge,” Idris stated.
“It saddens my mind when I see our front pages, when I see our headlines, reporting the activities of these criminals and underplaying the ones by security agencies.”
The minister argued that excessive focus on criminal groups can inadvertently amplify their influence, while overlooking the achievements of security agencies in combating insecurity across the country.
According to him, recent security operations have resulted in the elimination of terrorists and bandits, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the destruction of criminal hideouts, and significant investments in intelligence gathering and surveillance systems.
He warned that misinformation and unverified reports could undermine ongoing security efforts.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored,” he said.
Idris also encouraged the media to highlight the sacrifices and achievements of military personnel and other security operatives working to protect the country.
“We must have a Nigeria to report first before we can even have a union or any other media organisation,” he said.
“Please, let’s have that at the back of our minds. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this nation survives.”
The minister added that the Tinubu administration is complementing military operations with non-kinetic strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity. He cited educational interventions, noting that more than 1.3 million students are currently benefiting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which is designed to expand access to higher education.
He further disclosed that the government is considering improved welfare packages for media practitioners as part of efforts to strengthen the sector.
Also speaking at the summit, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by his adviser on strategic communication, Chido Onumah, emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between journalists and security agencies.
Ribadu revealed that the Office of the National Security Adviser is developing a National Security Strategic Communication Framework aimed at creating a structured platform for information sharing.
“We are all in this together. Journalists must have access to credible information; security agencies must improve their communication and transparency,” he said.
According to him, the proposed framework will help ensure that sensitive security information is managed responsibly while preserving the public’s right to be informed.
He added that plans are underway to improve communication during emergencies through timely briefings and designated liaison officers who will facilitate the flow of verified information to the media.
In his remarks, NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya said the summit was conceived to strengthen collaboration between journalists and security institutions in support of democracy, public accountability and national development.
The event attracted senior officials from various security agencies, media organisations and public relations bodies, including representatives of the Inspector-General of Police, past NUJ presidents and leaders of professional communication associations.
