The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for deeper collaboration between the media and security agencies, describing such a partnership as crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, stability and national development.
Idris made the call on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
Addressing participants on the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” the minister said both institutions play strategic roles in protecting the national interest and fostering unity and development.
According to him, while security agencies are responsible for protecting lives, property and the nation’s sovereignty, the media serves as a bridge between government and citizens, as well as a watchdog that promotes accountability and informed public discourse.
He stressed that stronger cooperation based on professionalism, trust, mutual respect and an understanding of each institution’s role would not only strengthen national security but also improve public confidence in government institutions.
The minister noted that Nigeria continues to face a range of security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised crime, separatist agitations and the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has prioritised security under its Renewed Hope Agenda through a multi-dimensional strategy involving military operations, intelligence gathering, technological innovation, inter-agency cooperation and community engagement.
“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 said.
Idris highlighted achievements recorded by security agencies, including the arrest and neutralisation of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, the destruction of criminal hideouts and the rescue of hundreds of abducted victims across the country.
He added that military offensives in the North-East have continued to weaken terrorist groups, while intensified operations in the North-West and North-Central regions have yielded positive results against banditry and kidnapping.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government has invested heavily in modern military hardware, surveillance systems, intelligence infrastructure and personnel training to improve the effectiveness of security operations.
Beyond security measures, he said the government is addressing the root causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment programmes, infrastructure projects, educational opportunities and social intervention schemes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
On the role of the media, Idris warned against the dangers posed by fake news, misinformation and disinformation, especially in the digital age.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored,” he said, urging journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, accuracy and ethical standards in their reporting.
He also called on security agencies to strengthen engagement with the media through timely, transparent and credible communication.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to promoting constructive dialogue and collaboration between media organisations and security institutions through strategic communication, public enlightenment and capacity-building initiatives.
Describing security as a collective responsibility, Idris urged citizens, communities, civil society groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to contribute actively to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
He commended the NUJ and DSS for organising the summit, expressing confidence that the discussions would produce practical recommendations to strengthen cooperation between the media and security agencies.
The event attracted senior government officials, security chiefs, media executives and communication professionals, including the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace; representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; the President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku; and NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya.
