Federal Government has stressed the need for closer collaboration between the media and security agencies, saying both institutions share a common responsibility in safeguarding national stability, peace and development.
Gatekeepers News reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday at a National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
Idris described the media and security agencies as critical pillars in Nigeria’s development framework, noting that both play complementary roles in promoting national interest and public trust.
“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.”
According to the minister, collaboration built on professionalism, mutual respect, trust and a clear understanding of each institution’s role would strengthen national security efforts and enhance public confidence in government.
He noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised crime, separatist agitations, misinformation and other emerging threats.
Idris said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has placed security at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda, adopting a comprehensive strategy that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, technological innovation and community participation.
“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.
The minister highlighted achievements recorded by security agencies, including the arrest and neutralisation of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country.
He added that several criminal hideouts and camps had been dismantled, while hundreds of abducted victims had been rescued through ongoing security operations.
According to him, military offensives have significantly weakened terrorist groups in the North-East, while intensified operations against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central regions have produced encouraging results.
Idris further disclosed that the government has continued to invest in military equipment, intelligence infrastructure, surveillance technology and capacity building for security personnel.
Beyond security operations, he said the administration is tackling the underlying causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, education and social intervention initiatives.
On the role of the media, the minister emphasised the importance of responsible journalism in combating misinformation and disinformation.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification,” he 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 uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, fairness and ethical reporting, while encouraging security agencies to strengthen engagement with the media through timely, transparent and credible communication.
Idris reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to fostering constructive partnerships between media organisations and security institutions through dialogue, capacity-building initiatives, strategic communication and public enlightenment campaigns.
Describing security as a collective responsibility, he called on citizens, communities, civil society groups, traditional rulers and religious leaders to support efforts aimed at building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The minister commended the NUJ and DSS for organising the summit, expressing confidence that discussions at the event would generate practical recommendations for improving cooperation between the media and security agencies.
The summit was attended by top government officials, security chiefs, media executives and communication professionals, including Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and Alhassan Yahaya, National President of the NUJ.
