Information Minister Mohammed Idris calls for responsible journalism, warns against giving criminals “free publicity” at Abuja security summit

The Federal Government has called on Nigerian media organisations to scale back the prominence given to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups in news coverage, urging editors to prioritise national stability over sensational headlines.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Thursday during a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).

Idris stressed that while the Tinubu administration remains committed to press freedom, journalists must exercise discretion to avoid amplifying the activities of criminal elements.

“Report events, but understand that the most effective editor is one who knows what not to highlight in the interest of nation-building,” he said. “When terrorists dominate front pages, they gain the publicity they seek—at no cost.”

The minister expressed concern that media reports often spotlight criminal activities while downplaying the efforts and sacrifices of security agencies. He urged editors to redirect attention toward the achievements of security personnel working to keep the country safe.

According to him, a secure environment is essential for the media to function effectively, noting that national survival must take precedence. “We must have a country to report before we can talk about journalism,” he added.

Idris also revealed that the government is complementing military operations with non-kinetic strategies aimed at tackling the root causes of insecurity. He highlighted other administration efforts, including the National Education Loan Fund, which has enabled over 1.3 million students to access higher education.

He further disclosed plans to introduce improved welfare packages for media professionals to enhance their working conditions and morale.

On industry development, the minister commended stakeholders for achieving the long-delayed digital switchover in broadcasting, describing it as a milestone made possible through collaboration.

In his remarks, NUJ President Alhassan Yahya said the summit was designed to strengthen cooperation between journalists and security agencies. He noted improved relations with the DSS, adding that there had been no reported cases of harassment of journalists by the agency in the past 18 months.

Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, described media and security institutions as critical pillars of democracy. He announced that Nigeria will host the World Public Relations Forum in November 2026—the first time the event will be held in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Also speaking, International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, cautioned against framing national security and press freedom as opposing forces. He argued that both are essential to a functioning democracy and must be carefully balanced.

“Security without accountability risks abuse, while freedom without security cannot endure,” Mojeed said, urging improved communication and reliance on professional and legal channels to resolve conflicts between the media and security agencies.

The summit drew participation from top security officials, media executives, and public relations professionals, all focused on fostering collaboration in the interest of national development.