By Stephen Simon
The Federal Government has called on media organisations in Nigeria to exercise restraint in the coverage of terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, warning that extensive publicity could inadvertently amplify their activities and undermine national security efforts.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, , made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
The two-day summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together journalists, security operatives and communication experts to examine the role of the media in strengthening national security and promoting responsible reporting.
Idris urged media practitioners to be mindful of the unintended consequences of granting extensive publicity to violent groups, noting that terrorists and bandits often rely on visibility, propaganda and psychological influence to spread fear, attract attention and sustain relevance.
He stressed that while press freedom remains fundamental to democracy, it must be exercised with a sense of responsibility, particularly in a country facing persistent security challenges across several regions.
According to him, closer collaboration between the media and security agencies is essential to ensure that information shared with the public does not compromise ongoing operations or inadvertently strengthen criminal networks.
Security experts have consistently warned that armed groups operating in Nigeria often exploit media coverage and social media platforms to project influence, circulate propaganda and shape public perception of their activities.
Over the years, groups such as Boko Haram and various bandit networks have used videos, statements and reports of attacks to instill fear, gain notoriety and, in some cases, recruit new members.
The Federal Government’s appeal reflects growing concern within security and communication circles over the impact of information dissemination on counter-insurgency and counter-banditry operations.
The summit also provided a platform for discussions on improving cooperation between journalists and security agencies, particularly in conflict-sensitive reporting, verification of security-related information, and protection of sources and field reporters.
Participants at the summit emphasised the need for stronger trust and coordination between both sides, with security agencies urged to provide timely and accurate information, while journalists were encouraged to uphold professional ethics in reporting security-related issues.
The outcome of the summit is expected to shape future engagement between the media and security institutions as Nigeria continues to confront complex and evolving security threats
