From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has appealed to the media to continue to play a strategic role in the ongoing counter insurgency operations by denying terrorist groups the publicity they desire to propagate their atrocities.
The minister said this has become necessary to end the barbaric acts of the terrorists who daily seek publicity for their evil acts.
Idris, who made the call at the seventh edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held at the National Press Centre in Abuja, said that the media’s editorial choices could significantly impact national security and the morale of the Armed Forces.
The minister who commended officers and men of the armed forces for their courage and determination to keep the country united, said, “The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices. He said “Our armed forces are not only respected by global allies but also feared by those who threaten our collective peace.
“It is equally important to recognise that the fight against insecurity is not limited to kinetic approaches. It is also a battle for the hearts and minds of our people – one that terrorist groups are actively exploiting through propaganda, especially on social media platforms.
“I therefore call on our media professionals and editors to be discerning in their reportage. We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. ”
He warned editors against glamorising terrorism through sensational coverage and called for a more patriotic and security-conscious approach to reporting”.
He 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.
“Let us remember that 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 stability and development of the entire West African sub-region and the African continent at large.”
Highlighting security as the second pillar of the administration’s agenda, the Minister noted that Nigeria’s Armed Forces have continued to gain ground against insurgents, aided by new weaponry, improved intelligence, and international cooperation.
“As many of you are aware, ‘Strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity’ is the second pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. This emphasis on security underscores a fundamental truth: no nation can achieve sustainable development without peace and stability.
Speaking further, he said “The Tinubu administration has demonstrated this resolve not merely through words, but through concrete actions – including the acquisition of advanced platforms and armaments, enhanced intelligence gathering, intensive training and retraining of personnel, and strategic global partnerships”.
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