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The Nigerian Government has urged Nigerian journalists to avoid giving terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups prominent media coverage, saying such publicity helps promote their activities.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a two-day National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with the Department of State Services, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Idris, speaking on the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” said journalists should exercise responsibility in reporting security issues and avoid glorifying criminals.
“Please, take these terrorists and criminals off your front pages. This is what they crave, free of charge,” he said.
The minister expressed concern that media reports often highlight criminals’ activities while giving less attention to the efforts and sacrifices of security agencies.
“It saddens my mind when I see our front pages and headlines reporting the activities of these criminals and underplaying the ones by security agencies,” he added.
Idris stressed that national security and stability are essential for the media industry to thrive.
“We must have a Nigeria to report first before we can even have a union or any other media organisation,” he said.
He called on editors and journalists to celebrate the achievements of security personnel and contribute to nation-building through responsible reporting.
The minister also said the Tinubu administration is tackling insecurity through both military operations and non-military measures to address its root causes.
The summit brought together media professionals, security chiefs, public relations experts, and government officials to discuss ways to improve collaboration in promoting national security and democratic governance.
