The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies, describing the partnership as critical to protecting Nigeria’s peace, security, and national development.
Speaking at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja, the Minister said both institutions have a shared responsibility to safeguard the nation’s interest.
“Security agencies protect lives and national sovereignty, while the media informs, educates, and connects government with the people. Together, we share one goal—protecting Nigeria’s peace, unity, and development.”
He stressed that stronger collaboration built on trust, professionalism, transparency and mutual respect would strengthen national security and public confidence.
“Effective collaboration built on mutual respect, professionalism, trust and understanding of our complementary roles will strengthen national security and enhance public confidence.”
The Minister noted that Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, organised crime, separatist agitations, and the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
“The security challenges we face today are increasingly complex and require collective action, strategic thinking and national unity.”
Idris said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made security a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda through military operations, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, technology and community engagement.
“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 highlighted major gains by security agencies, including the neutralisation and arrest of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, the dismantling of criminal hideouts, and the rescue of hundreds of kidnap victims across the country.
Beyond security operations, the Minister said the Federal Government is also tackling the root causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, education and social intervention programmes.
Speaking on the role of the media, Idris urged journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy, fairness and ethical reporting.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored.”
He also urged security agencies to strengthen engagement with the media through timely, credible and transparent communication.
“The challenge before us is to strike the right balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative of protecting national security.”
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to promoting dialogue, strategic communication, capacity building and public enlightenment to deepen cooperation between the media and security agencies.
Describing security as a shared responsibility, he called on all Nigerians to play their part.
“Security is not the responsibility of government alone. Every citizen, every community and every institution has a role to play in building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.”
He commended the NUJ and the DSS for organising the summit, expressing confidence that its deliberations would produce practical recommendations to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives.