The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has called for stronger institutional cooperation between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and promote national development.
The resolution formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the two-day National Security Summit held in Abuja from June 18 to 19, 2026, with the theme “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
In his opening remarks, Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi described the summit as a timely response to threats including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, misinformation, communal conflicts and violent extremism. He stressed that national security remains a collective responsibility and urged journalists to uphold ethical and responsible reporting.
Chairman of the occasion and Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris highlighted the complementary roles of the media and security agencies, noting that while security institutions protect lives and national sovereignty, the media serves as a watchdog and bridge between government and citizens.
Key presentations at the summit emphasised strategic communication, press freedom and inclusion. Okey Ikechukwu described the media as a “force multiplier” in security operations, while Musikilu Mojeed argued that national security and press freedom should reinforce one another through dialogue and accountability. Aisha Ibrahim advocated greater inclusion of women in peacebuilding and security governance.
A major highlight of the summit was the investiture decision in honour of Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi in recognition of his role in promoting engagement between the media and security institutions.
Participants observed that insecurity in Nigeria remains multidimensional and identified misinformation, unemployment, poverty and drug abuse as key drivers. They recommended regular structured engagement between security agencies and media organisations, improved government investment in education and youth empowerment, stronger fact-checking mechanisms, enhanced funding for security institutions, and broader inclusion of women and communities in peacebuilding efforts.
The summit concluded that sustainable peace and national development depend on trust, transparency, accountability and sustained collaboration among government, security institutions, the media and citizens.
