WEDNESDAY April 16, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
The Federal Government has again assured citizens of its commitment to end insecurity in the country.
In states such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno, among others, recent attacks by non-state actors have led to the loss of many lives.
These incidents have prompted individuals in various quarters to question the government’s efforts.
Speaking at the first quarter media stakeholders’ seminar for top media executives in Abuja on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised the administration’s resolve to combat security threats across the country.
The minister, who was represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, highlighted recent investments in military equipment, personnel training, and intelligence gathering as proof of the government’s seriousness in tackling insecurity.
He said, “The Tinubu administration is unrelenting in its commitment to overcoming these threats and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. Under President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda of the Cardinal objective is undoubtedly to guarantee our national security through a clear and strategic focus on investing in the right tools, systems, and personnel to ensure the security of our nation.
“This includes massive investment in the acquisition of military assets, the training and retraining of armed forces and security personnel, and the strengthening of intelligence gathering mechanisms across all levels. This effort reflects the seriousness with which President Bola Tinubu is confronting the security challenges at home.”
He noted that the administration’s actions reflect a serious and coordinated effort to address security challenges, including banditry, insurgency, and terrorism, in various states.
The minister also urged media organisations to stop giving publicity to terrorists, describing such coverage as fuel for their operations.
He said, “The media, without doubt, is a worthy partner in our national security architecture. As the watchdog of society, the press must strike a delicate balance between the public’s right to vote and the imperative to protect national interests.
“I urge our media stakeholders to deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity by refusing to give prominence to their cowardly acts.”
Instead, he advised that the media focus on the sacrifices of the military and the resilience of affected communities.
He said, “Instead, let us simply amplify the arising of our armed forces, the resilience of our protected community, and the progress being made daily in the pursuit of peace.
“Conversely, what the media must not amplify in the spirit of unity and national cohesion is negative rhetorics that trail communal classes, as seen in recent situations. Insecurity and terrorism are not uniquely Nigerian challenges.”
Beyond reporting incidents, the minister urged the media to actively support military operations by mobilising public cooperation.
“National security is a collective responsibility. The media must play a pivotal role in educating the public and encouraging them to volunteer timely and useful information to security agencies,” he said.
The minister also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices in the fight against insecurity, noting their achievements in neutralising insurgents, rescuing hostages, and restoring peace to affected communities.
He said, “The vigilant and gallant men and women of our military have continued to roll back the evil campaigns of terror across various theatres of operation by neutralising insurgents, rescuing kidnapped victims, and restoring hopes to communities that have been under siege. Their sacrifice will never go unnoticed and unappreciated.
“The minister asked me personally to let the members of the Armed Forces know that they are being appreciated by Nigerians, that their sacrifice daily is well noted and is being appreciated.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, emphasised the evolving role of the media in modern warfare.
He noted that in today’s complex security environment, the media has become a key element of tactical, operational, and strategic planning, particularly in the information warfare space.
“As we are all aware, the contemporary security landscape is not only characterised by conventional and asymmetric threats but also involves a battle of narratives. The information space is as contested as the battlefield,” Musa said.
He called for a professionalised, proactive media approach that is fully integrated into military planning to counter misinformation and maintain public trust.
“The 24-hour news cycle and social media demand real-time responses. Commanders and media professionals must work together to ensure that the right messages are conveyed at the right time to the right audience,” he added.
FG Reaffirms Commitment To Tackling Insecurity Amid Rising Attacks
