Di federal government don call for stronger collaboration between media and security agencies to improve national security and make public trust for government strong.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, make di call yesterday for Abuja at National Security Summit wey Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) organise with Department of State Services (DSS).
Di summit wey dem title “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building” bring together senior government officials, security chiefs, media executives and communication experts to see how di two sectors fit work better to solve Nigeria security wahala.
Idris tok say media and security institutions get complementary roles for safeguarding di nation. According to am, “security agencies dey protect lives, property and national sovereignty, while media dey serve as watchdog of society, marketplace of ideas, and bridge between government and citizens. Both institutions share common objective: safeguarding national interest and promoting peace, unity and development.”
Di minister admit say Nigeria still face complex security threats, including terrorism, but urge coordinated responses. E stress say stronger collaboration wey build on professionalism, mutual trust and respect go enhance security operations and improve public confidence for government efforts.
Meanwhile, Idris say security agencies don record gains by neutralising and arresting terrorist and criminal elements, dismantling hideouts and rescuing kidnapped victims across di country. According to am, sustained operations don weaken terrorist networks for North-East, while intensified efforts against banditry and kidnapping for North-West and North-Central don produce positive results.
Idris also disclose say government don invest for modern equipment, surveillance systems, intelligence infrastructure and capacity building to enhance effectiveness of security operations, and dey also address underlying causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, infrastructure development, education and social intervention programmes.
But di minister warn media against spreading misinformation and disinformation, especially for digital platforms, as unverified reports fit undermine national security efforts. According to am, “national security no dey served when misinformation dey amplified without verification. Neither e dey served when legitimate public concerns dey ignored.”
E urge newsmen to maintain high standards of professionalism, accuracy and ethics, while encouraging security agencies to improve transparency and timely communication with di public.
