Take terrorists, criminals off your front pages, FG tells media
The federal government has asked journalists to prioritise national stability and patriotism by keeping the activities of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements off their front pages.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, spoke on Thursday in Abuja at a two-day national security summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to NAN, the summit, organised in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) has as its theme: ‘Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building’.
Idris said while the federal government under President Bola Tinubu remains fully committed to upholding press freedom, responsible journalism must be exercised to avoid glorifying crime.
“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,” he said.
“Please, take these terrorists and criminals off your front pages. This is what they crave for, free of charge.
“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 noted that without a secure and peaceful country, the media would not have an enabling environment to operate.
He pointed to recent successes in “neutralisation of terrorists and bandits”, rescue of kidnap victims, dismantling of criminal camps and investments in intelligence and surveillance, warning that misinformation and premature reporting could undermine those gains.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored,” the minister added.
Idris also urged editors to celebrate the sacrifices of young men and women in uniform.
“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 said beyond kinetic military operations, the Tinubu administration is using non-kinetic tools to combat insecurity by addressing its root causes.
According to him, over 1.3 million Nigerian students are currently accessing higher education through the newly instituted National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ensuring that financial constraints do not keep youths out of school.
He also hinted that the federal government is working behind the scenes to roll out enhanced welfare packages for media workers in the country to boost their morale and economic well-being.
Idris commended the collaborative efforts of the print and broadcast sector, noting that the historic launch of the digital switchover after 15 years is a testament to what strategic partnership can achieve despite challenges.
‘WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER’
Speaking at the summit, Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser, said the government recognises the media’s right and duty to inform, but harped on the need for a structured channel for information sharing that balances transparency with operational security.
Ribadu, represented by Chido Onumah, his adviser on strategic communication, noted that his office is developing a national security strategic communication framework to create that platform.
“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 framework will help reduce the risk of reports that could inadvertently aid terrorists or criminal elements, while protecting the public’s right to know.
The NSA also highlighted practical steps being considered to strengthen ties with the press, including faster, verified briefings during crises and designated liaison officers to coordinate timely information flow.
In his remarks, Alhassan Yahya, national president of NUJ, said the summit was conceptualised to foster closer ties between journalists and security agencies to promote democracy and public interest.
Other speakers at the summit included Musikilu Mojeed, president of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), and Ike Neliaku, president and chairman of the governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The summit was attended by heads of various security agencies, including representatives of the inspector general of police, past presidents of the NUJ, and executives of other media and public relations bodies.
