“Starve Terrorists of Publicity” — FG Urges Media
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerian media outlets to play a more strategic role in national security by denying terrorists the attention they crave through sensational coverage.
Speaking at the inaugural Quarterly Media Stakeholders Seminar organised by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations on Wednesday in Abuja.
Idris, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace emphasised the need for a united front between the military and the media in combating terrorism and insecurity.
Themed *“Media as a Key Component of Joint Task Force Commanders’ Operational Success,”* the seminar aimed to bridge the gap between security forces and the press in an era where narratives can be as powerful as military hardware.
Idris highlighted the evolving role of the media in shaping public perception and maintaining national unity, urging journalists to exercise caution in their reporting by avoiding amplification of divisive rhetoric and acts of terror.
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“The press must strike a delicate balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative to protect national interest,” he said. “I urge media stakeholders to deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity by refusing to give prominence to their cowardly acts.”
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He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has significantly invested in enhancing the country’s defence capacity, including the acquisition of military assets, intelligence systems, and continuous training of security personnel.
The Minister further called on media professionals to use their platforms to mobilise public support for the armed forces and encourage citizens to share timely and relevant information with security agencies.
“National security is a collective responsibility,” Idris stated. “The media plays a pivotal role in enlightening the public on how to contribute meaningfully to this cause.”
Also speaking at the seminar, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, noted the media’s strategic importance in modern warfare, where perception and narrative warfare can shape battlefield outcomes.
Represented by Williams Dogo, Issa-Onilu warned of the dangers posed by misinformation and the viral spread of manipulated content on social media, which he said can demoralise troops and erode public trust.
“In asymmetric warfare, where the hearts and minds of citizens are a crucial battleground, the media becomes a vital conduit for legitimacy and confidence,” he said. “A proactive and coordinated media approach can help neutralise harmful narratives.”
He advocated for capacity building and ethical training for defence reporters to enhance the quality and credibility of media coverage related to military operations.
By PRNigeria
