FG Urges Media to Keep Terrorists, Bandits Off Front Pages

The Federal Government has urged journalists and media organisations to prioritise national stability and patriotism by avoiding prominent coverage of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, arguing that such publicity inadvertently serves their interests.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday while addressing a two day National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with the Department of State Services in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together security chiefs, journalists, policymakers and public relations professionals to discuss collaboration in addressing Nigeria's security challenges.

Idris said that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration remains committed to protecting press freedom, journalists must exercise responsibility in reporting security issues to avoid glorifying criminal activities.

“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 stressed that the media requires a secure and peaceful environment to operate effectively and warned that misinformation or premature reporting could undermine ongoing security operations.

He cited recent gains recorded by security agencies, including the neutralisation of terrorists and bandits, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the dismantling of criminal camps and increased investments in intelligence gathering and surveillance.

“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored,” Idris added.

He also encouraged editors and media organisations to highlight the sacrifices and achievements of members of the armed forces and other security personnel.

“We must have a Nigeria to report first before we can even have a union or any other media organisation. Please, let’s have that at the back of our minds. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this nation survives,” he said.

The minister disclosed that beyond military operations, the Federal Government is addressing the root causes of insecurity through non kinetic measures, including expanded access to education.

According to him, more than 1.3 million Nigerian students are currently benefiting from the National Education Loan Fund, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent young people from pursuing higher education.

Idris also revealed that the government is working on improved welfare packages for media practitioners to enhance their motivation and economic well-being.

He further commended collaboration between stakeholders in the print and broadcast sectors, noting that the recent launch of Nigeria's digital switchover after 15 years demonstrated the value of strategic partnerships.

Also speaking at the summit, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by his Adviser on Strategic Communication, Chido Onumah, emphasised the need for structured information sharing between security agencies and the media.

He disclosed that the Office of the National Security Adviser is developing a national security strategic communication framework aimed at balancing transparency with operational security while ensuring journalists have access to credible information.

According to Ribadu, the framework would reduce the risk of reports that could inadvertently aid terrorists or criminal groups while safeguarding the public's right to information.

He added that the government is considering measures such as faster verified briefings during crises and the appointment of designated liaison officers to facilitate timely communication with the media.

In his remarks, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya, said the summit was designed to strengthen collaboration between journalists and security agencies in promoting democracy and serving the public interest.

Other speakers at the event included the President of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute, Musikilu Mojeed, and the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ike Neliaku.

The summit was attended by heads and representatives of various security agencies, including officials from the Nigeria Police Force, past presidents of the NUJ and leaders of media and public relations organisations.