The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has cautioned media houses against giving undue publicity to terrorists and extremist groups.
He warned that sensational coverage emboldens such groups and jeopardises national security.
Speaking on Wednesday at the seventh edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series at the National Press Centre, Abuja, Idris urged journalists to act as gatekeepers in the fight against insecurity.
“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave,” Idris said.
“We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives. These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.”
Fighting terrorism beyond the battlefield
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s war on insecurity is not limited to military efforts. He described it as also an information war, in which terrorists use propaganda—especially on social media—to manipulate public perception.
Present at the briefing were the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas.
The session is part of a broader government initiative to promote transparency and keep Nigerians informed about sectoral progress.
Idris noted that under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, national security remains a top priority. He cited recent steps including the acquisition of advanced military hardware, improved intelligence coordination, and strengthened international partnerships.
“Our armed forces are not only respected by global allies but also feared by those who threaten our collective peace,” he added.
Press briefings for transparency and public trust
The Ministerial Press Briefing Series, launched in February 2025, is designed to provide regular updates from federal ministries ahead of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations. So far, ministers from eight ministries have participated, with sessions broadcast live on national TV and streamed online.
Idris concluded by commending the media’s role in nation-building and urged for continued professionalism.
“Responsible and patriotic journalism is essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria—one that holds promise not just for our nation, but for the entire West African region.”
