By Queen Kunde
Key government officials, security agencies and media leaders on Thursday called for stronger collaboration between journalists and security institutions as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The call came at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) under the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, represented by his aide on strategic communication, Chido Onumah, said closer cooperation between the media and security agencies is crucial to winning the fight against terrorism, banditry, cybercrime and disinformation.
Idris described the summit as timely, noting that modern security threats require not only military action but also effective public communication and responsible reporting.
“Terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised criminality and disinformation have forced nations to rethink traditional approaches to security,” he said.
According to the minister, the relationship between the media and security agencies must be built on trust, professionalism, mutual respect and a shared understanding of their roles in protecting the nation.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made security a top priority through military operations, intelligence gathering, technological upgrades and community engagement.
The minister highlighted recent gains recorded by security forces, including the neutralisation of terrorists and bandits, rescue of kidnapped victims and destruction of criminal camps. However, he warned that misinformation and unverified reports could undermine these achievements.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored,” Idris said, urging journalists to adhere to ethical standards in reporting security matters.
Speaking on behalf of the NSA, Onumah revealed 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 between security agencies and the media.
He said the framework would promote transparency, improve access to credible information and reduce the risk of reports that could unintentionally aid criminal or terrorist groups.
“We are all in this together. Journalists must have access to credible information, while security agencies must improve communication and transparency,” he said.
The NSA’s office also disclosed plans to introduce faster verified briefings during security crises and appoint liaison officers to improve information flow between the media and security agencies.
Both Idris and the NSA stressed that the battle against insecurity goes beyond military operations. Citing the Defence Ministry’s position that security efforts are “40 per cent kinetic and 60 per cent non-kinetic,” they emphasised the importance of strategic communication, information management and community engagement.
The summit, attended by NUJ President Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, security chiefs, academics and media executives, ended with a commitment by both media and security stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, improve trust and establish mechanisms for responsible reporting and information verification.
The DSS was commended by the NUJ for supporting dialogue between the media and security agencies, while the Defence Ministry indicated plans to embed journalists with military units to enhance accurate reporting of operations.
Idris said a professional and ethical media working alongside transparent security institutions would boost public confidence and strengthen national resilience.
“The media informs citizens, shapes public opinion and promotes accountability, while security agencies protect lives and property. When these roles work together, democracy and development are strengthened,” he said.
The summit concluded with a pledge to implement the proposed National Security Strategic Communication Framework and sustain regular engagements between the media and security agencies in the national interest.
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