Relationship between, media, security agencies must be founded on mutual respect, professionalism – Minister of Information

Relationship between, media, security agencies must be founded on mutual respect, professionalism – Minister of Information

By Ali Baba-Inuwa

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, says the relationship between the media and security agencies must be founded on mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and an appreciation of their complementary roles.
Idris stated this at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) with the theme: “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”on Thursday in Abuja.
The Minister, also the Chairman of the summit, said that security operations required discretion, accuracy, and strategic communication, while the media, had a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, promote accountability, and combat misinformation.
“I am deeply honoured to serve as Chairman of this important National Security Summit, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), under the timely and significant theme: “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
“Let me begin by commending the leadership of the NUJ and the DSS for conceiving this strategic platform that brings together critical stakeholders from the media, security agencies, government institutions, academia, civil society, and the wider public to deliberate on one of the most pressing issues confronting our nation today: security and national stability,” he said.
Idris said that the theme of the summit was most appropriate, especially looking at the security challenges facing Nigeria.
“The theme of this summit could not have come at a more appropriate time. Across the world, security challenges have become increasingly complex, multidimensional, and technology-driven. From terrorism and violent extremism to cybercrime, misinformation, organised crime, separatist agitations, and transnational threats, nations are being compelled to rethink traditional approaches to security management.

“Nigeria is not immune to these realities. As Africa’s largest democracy and most populous nation, our security environment presents unique challenges that require collective action, strategic communication, responsible journalism, and effective collaboration among all stakeholders.
“The media and security agencies occupy critical positions in the architecture of nation-building. While security agencies are entrusted with protecting lives, property, and national sovereignty, the media serves as the watchdog of society, the marketplace of ideas, and the bridge between government and citizens.

“Both institutions share a common objective: safeguarding the national interest and promoting peace, unity, and development.The relationship between the media and security agencies must therefore be founded on mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and an appreciation of their complementary roles.
“Security operations require discretion, accuracy, and strategic communication. The media, on the other hand, has a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, promote accountability, and combat misinformation.
“When these responsibilities are properly aligned, they become powerful instruments for strengthening national security and public confidence,” he said.
Idris stated that Nigeria had continued to prioritise security as a fundamental pillar under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government has continued to prioritise security as a fundamental pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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.
“As a result, significant gains have been recorded across various theatres of operation.Our security forces have continued to neutralise and apprehend terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities. Several terrorist commanders have been eliminated, while many criminal hideouts and camps have been dismantled through sustained military operations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, working closely with intelligence and security agencies, have successfully rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims and restored normalcy to many communities previously under siege,” he said.
Idris stated that continued military offensives had degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the North East.
“In the North-East, military offensives have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups. In the North-West and North-Central regions, intensified operations against banditry and kidnapping have yielded notable successes, while enhanced intelligence-led interventions continue to strengthen security responses across the country.
“The Federal Government has also invested substantially in modern military equipment, intelligence infrastructure, surveillance technologies, and capacity building for security personnel. These efforts are improving operational effectiveness and enhancing the ability of our security agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
“Beyond kinetic measures, the Tinubu Administration remains committed to addressing the root causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, educational opportunities, and social interventions designed to create hope and prosperity for citizens.
“These achievements demonstrate the unwavering commitment of President Tinubu to securing Nigeria and creating an enabling environment for investment, economic growth, and national development,” he said.
Idris added that the media had a crucial role to play in supporting the government’s efforts to combat Nigeria’s numerous challenges.
“Distinguished participants. The media has a crucial role to play in supporting these efforts. In an era where false narratives, fake news, and disinformation can spread rapidly across digital platforms, responsible journalism has become more important than ever.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored. The challenge before us is to strike the right balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative of protecting national security.
“Journalists must continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting. Security agencies, in turn, must strengthen engagement with the media by providing timely, credible, and transparent information that helps build public trust and confidence.
“As Minister of Information and National Orientation, I can assure you that the Federal Government remains committed to fostering constructive engagement between the media and security institutions. Through dialogue, capacity building, strategic communication, and public enlightenment initiatives, we will continue to strengthen the partnership necessary for promoting national cohesion and resilience.

“I am particularly encouraged that this summit includes an interactive session on contemporary national security challenges and strategic media collaboration. Such engagements are essential for deepening understanding, sharing experiences, identifying best practices, and developing practical solutions that advance our collective objectives,” he said.
Idris added:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Security is not the responsibility of government and security agencies alone. It is a shared national responsibility that requires the participation of every citizen, community, institution, and stakeholder.
“Likewise, nation-building is a collective endeavour. The media, security agencies, government institutions, civil society, traditional leaders, religious organisations, and citizens all have important roles to play in building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.

“I therefore urge participants at this summit to engage openly, thoughtfully, and constructively. Let us use this platform to strengthen partnerships, build trust, and generate actionable recommendations that will contribute meaningfully to our national security objectives.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I commend the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Department of State Services for this laudable initiative.

“It is my sincere hope that the deliberations and outcomes of this summit will further enhance collaboration between the media and security agencies and ultimately contribute to a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria.Thank you for your attention.”