Fake News Fuels Insecurity, Information Minister Tells Media, Security Agencies

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies, warning that misinformation and disinformation have emerged as major threats to Nigeria’s national security.

Speaking at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja, Idris said the country’s fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and other security challenges cannot be won without a robust partnership between journalists and security institutions.

According to the minister, both the media and security agencies occupy critical positions in safeguarding national stability and promoting public confidence.

He said while security agencies are responsible for protecting lives, property and national sovereignty, the media serves as the bridge between government and citizens, helping to inform the public and hold institutions accountable.

“While security agencies are entrusted with protecting lives, property and national sovereignty, the media serves as the watchdog of society and the bridge between government and citizens. Both institutions share a common objective, safeguarding the national interest and promoting peace, unity and development,” Idris said.

The minister noted that Nigeria is confronting increasingly complex security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, cybercrime, separatist agitations and the growing spread of false information across traditional and digital platforms.

He cautioned that irresponsible reporting and the circulation of unverified information can jeopardise security operations, inflame tensions and weaken public trust in government institutions.

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

“The challenge before us is to strike the right balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative of protecting national security,” he stated.

Idris stressed that freedom of expression and responsible journalism remain essential pillars of democracy but urged media practitioners to uphold professional standards, particularly when reporting on sensitive security matters.

According to him, accurate, factual and balanced reporting is crucial in preventing panic, discouraging the spread of harmful narratives and ensuring that citizens receive credible information.

The minister also highlighted efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address insecurity through a multi-pronged strategy that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, technological innovation, inter-agency cooperation and community engagement.

He said significant progress has been recorded in recent months, with security forces neutralising and arresting hundreds of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements across different parts of the country.

Idris added that several criminal camps and hideouts had also been dismantled as part of ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability.

He, however, maintained that security remains a collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders, including journalists, civil society organisations and members of the public, to support efforts aimed at protecting the country.

The minister said building a safer and more secure Nigeria would require trust, cooperation and a shared commitment to truth and responsible information management.