“Take Terrorists Off the Front Pages” — FG Sends Strong Message to Nigerian Media

The Federal Government has urged Nigerian journalists to rethink how they report insecurity, warning that giving terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups prominent media coverage may be helping their cause.
Speaking at a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called on media practitioners to place national interest and stability above sensational headlines.
The summit, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), focused on strengthening cooperation between the media and security agencies in nation-building.
While reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to press freedom, Idris stressed that responsible journalism requires editors and reporters to exercise discretion in matters affecting national security.
“Yes, we have to report events as they happen, but the best reporter and editor are those who know what not to publish in the interest of nation-building,” he said.
The minister specifically appealed to media organisations to stop giving terrorists and bandits the publicity they seek through banner headlines and front-page reports.
“Please, take these terrorists and criminals off your front pages. This is what they crave for, free of charge,” Idris stated, expressing concern that the achievements of security agencies are often overshadowed by reports highlighting criminal activities.
He noted that the government has recorded significant successes in the fight against insecurity, including the elimination of terrorists and bandits, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the destruction of criminal hideouts. According to him, inaccurate reporting and misinformation could undermine these gains.
Idris also urged journalists to spotlight the sacrifices of security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the country.
“We must have a Nigeria to report first before we can even have a union or any other media organisation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this nation survives,” he said.
The minister further revealed that the Tinubu administration is combining military operations with non-kinetic measures aimed at tackling the root causes of insecurity. He cited the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said has enabled more than 1.3 million students to access higher education despite financial challenges.
He also hinted at plans by the federal government to improve the welfare of media workers across the country.
Also speaking at the summit, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by his Strategic Communications Adviser, Chido Onumah, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between journalists and security agencies.
Ribadu disclosed that his office is developing a National Security Strategic Communication Framework designed to improve information sharing while safeguarding security operations.
“We are all in this together. Journalists must have access to credible information, while security agencies must improve communication and transparency,” he said.
The framework, according to him, will help reduce reports that could unintentionally aid criminal groups while ensuring that citizens remain informed.
NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, said the summit was created to strengthen the relationship between the media and security agencies in support of democracy and the public interest.
The event attracted top security chiefs, media executives, former NUJ presidents, and leaders of public relations bodies from across the country.