Idris, NSA advocate strategic communication in fight against terrorism

The Federal Government has renewed its call for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges and strengthen national stability.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), represented by his aide on Strategic Communication and Civil Society, Chido Onumah, made the call on Thursday during the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together journalists, security officials, academics and policymakers to discuss ways of improving cooperation between the media and security institutions.

Speaking at the event, Idris said the summit was timely in view of evolving security threats confronting Nigeria and other countries around the world.

According to him, challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised criminality and disinformation require not only military responses but also effective communication and public engagement.

“The relationship between the media and security agencies must therefore be founded on mutual respect, professionalism, trust and an appreciation of their complementary roles,” the minister said.

Idris noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritised security under the Renewed Hope Agenda through military operations, intelligence gathering, technological upgrades and community engagement.

He highlighted recent gains recorded by security agencies, including the neutralisation of terrorists and bandits, rescue of kidnapped victims, dismantling of criminal camps and investments in intelligence and surveillance infrastructure.

The minister, however, cautioned journalists against spreading unverified information, warning that misinformation and disinformation could undermine national security efforts.

“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored,” he said.

Also speaking, Onumah disclosed that the Office of the National Security Adviser is developing a National Security Strategic Communication Framework aimed at creating a structured platform for information sharing and collaboration between security agencies and the media.

According to him, the framework is designed to balance the public’s right to information with the need to protect sensitive security operations.

“We are all in this together. Journalists must have access to credible information, while security agencies must improve communication and transparency,” Onumah said.

He explained that the proposed framework would help reduce the risk of reports that could unintentionally aid terrorists or criminal groups while ensuring that citizens receive accurate and timely information.

The NSA’s office also revealed plans to improve communication during security emergencies through faster verified briefings and the designation of liaison officers to coordinate information flow between security institutions and media organisations.

Participants at the summit agreed that modern security challenges require more than military action, citing the growing importance of strategic communication, information management and community engagement.

The summit ended with a commitment from both media practitioners and security agencies to deepen collaboration, strengthen trust and operationalise the proposed National Security Strategic Communication Framework as part of efforts to promote national security, public confidence and democratic governance.