The Federal Government has called on Nigerian journalists and media organisations to exercise greater caution in reporting security issues by avoiding excessive publicity for terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal during a two-day National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
Speaking at the summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” Idris stressed that while press freedom remains a fundamental right, journalists should balance reporting with national interests and avoid unintentionally glorifying criminal activities.
He argued that terrorists often seek public attention and warned that giving their actions prominent coverage could serve their objectives. Instead, he encouraged media organisations to highlight the achievements and sacrifices of security personnel working to protect the country.
The minister emphasized that peace and stability are essential for both national development and the continued operation of the media industry. He urged journalists to view nation-building as a shared responsibility.
Idris also disclosed that the Tinubu administration is combining military operations with non-military strategies to address the root causes of insecurity. He further highlighted government achievements in other sectors, including the National Education Loan Fund, which he said has enabled more than 1.3 million students to access higher education.
In addition, the minister revealed that the government is working on improved welfare packages for media professionals to enhance their working conditions and economic well-being.
NUJ President Alhassan Yahya said the summit was designed to strengthen cooperation between journalists and security agencies in support of democracy and national development. He commended the DSS leadership for maintaining a positive relationship with the media and expressed hope that other security agencies would adopt a similar approach.
Also speaking, President of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute, Musikilu Mojeed, stressed that national security and press freedom should not be viewed as competing interests. He argued that both are essential pillars of a democratic society and called for better communication and established dispute-resolution mechanisms between security agencies and the media.
Mojeed warned against the use of intimidation, arrests, and harassment in resolving disagreements, noting that accountability systems and legal channels provide more effective solutions.
The summit attracted top security officials, media executives, former NUJ leaders, and public relations professionals who discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between the press and security institutions.
