Media, Security Agencies Must Deepen Partnership to Protect Nigeria’s Peace, Stability — Information Minister

Oru Leonard

ABUJA — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies, describing the partnership as essential for safeguarding national security, promoting public trust, and advancing Nigeria’s nation-building efforts.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja as Chairman of the Occasion and Chief Host at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with the Department of State Services, Idris said both institutions occupy strategic positions in national development and share a common responsibility of protecting the national interest.

Addressing participants on the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” the minister noted that while security agencies are responsible for protecting lives, property and national sovereignty, the media serves as society’s watchdog and a bridge between government and citizens.

He said effective collaboration founded on mutual respect, professionalism, trust and a clear understanding of complementary roles would strengthen national security and boost public confidence in government institutions.
According to Idris, Nigeria continues to face complex security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised crime, misinformation, separatist agitations and other emerging challenges that require collective action and strategic responses.

The minister said the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised security under the Renewed Hope Agenda through a comprehensive strategy that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, technological innovation and community engagement.
He highlighted achievements recorded by security agencies, including the arrest and neutralisation of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements, the dismantling of criminal hideouts, and the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims across the country.

Idris also disclosed that the Federal Government has invested heavily in modern military hardware, intelligence infrastructure, surveillance technologies and personnel training to enhance operational effectiveness and improve the nation’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.

Beyond security operations, he said the administration remains committed to tackling the root causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, infrastructure development, expanded educational opportunities and social intervention programmes.

The minister stressed that responsible journalism is increasingly important in an era characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation, fake news and disinformation across digital platforms.
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, credible and transparent communication.

Idris reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to fostering constructive engagement between the media and security institutions through dialogue, capacity building, strategic communication and public enlightenment programmes.

Describing security as a collective responsibility, he called on citizens, communities, civil society groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to actively contribute to building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.

The minister commended the NUJ and DSS for organising the summit, expressing confidence that its deliberations would produce practical recommendations for strengthening cooperation between the media and security agencies in support of national security objectives.

The event attracted senior government officials, security chiefs, media executives and communication professionals, including Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Assistant Inspector-General of Police Miller Dantawaye, representing the Inspector-General of Police; Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics Dankolo Shehu Mohammed, representing the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Ike Neliaku; and NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya.

Photo: FMINO.