By Eze Adiuku
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for deeper collaboration between the media and security agencies to strengthen national security and promote national development.
Speaking as Chairman and Chief Host at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with the Department of State Services in Abuja on Thursday, Idris described the summit’s theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” as timely amid rising global and domestic security challenges.
The minister said security threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, misinformation, organised crime and violent extremism require a collective approach involving government institutions, security agencies, the media and citizens. He stressed that while security agencies are responsible for protecting lives and national sovereignty, the media must continue to inform the public responsibly and combat false narratives.
Highlighting efforts under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Idris said government investments in military capacity, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and inter-agency cooperation have led to gains in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across different parts of the country.
He urged journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy and ethical reporting, while encouraging security institutions to improve transparency and timely information sharing to build public trust.
Idris expressed optimism that deliberations at the summit would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening media-security relations and advancing Nigeria’s peace, stability and national cohesion.
