The Federal Government on Wednesday appealed to the Nigerian media not to promote terrorist propaganda by giving undue attention to their violent activities, which it described as cowardly.
Instead, it urged media practitioners to focus on highlighting the bravery of the armed forces, the resilience of affected communities, and the progress made in securing peace across the country.
The call came amid a rise in violent incidents linked to criminal elements in Benue, Plateau, and Borno States.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters Quarterly Media Stakeholders Seminar 2025 in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the media’s role in national security. The seminar, organized by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, was themed “Media as a Key Component of Joint Task Force Commanders’ Operational Success.”
Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Idris said:
“The media must strike a balance between the public’s right to know and the need to protect national interest. In that spirit, I urge media stakeholders to deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity by refusing to highlight their acts of violence.”
He added,
“Instead, let us amplify the heroism of our troops, the resilience of our communities, and the steady progress toward peace. The media must refrain from spreading inflammatory rhetoric following communal clashes, as we’ve seen in recent events.”
The minister also stressed that insecurity is not unique to Nigeria but a global issue, saying,
“From Europe to the Middle East and across Africa, nations face threats from terrorism and organized crime. What matters is how we respond.”
According to Idris, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to tackling security challenges through its 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes investments in modern military equipment, training of personnel, and enhancement of intelligence operations.
“These efforts demonstrate President Tinubu’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians,” he noted.
Military Must Engage the Public — Minister of Defence
Also addressing participants, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru called on the military to adopt innovative ways of sharing information about its operations with the public. Represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Tijani Jibrin (rtd), Badaru said transparency would help build public trust, promote unity, and curb fake news.
Media’s Role in Warfare Has Evolved — CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, noted that the role of the media in modern warfare now extends beyond mere information dissemination.
“Today, media is an integral part of tactical and strategic military operations. It shapes public opinion and reinforces accountability,” he said.
Musa warned that as media operations become more critical, they also present challenges such as misinformation and fake news.
“Military commanders and media professionals must work hand in hand to ensure accurate, timely communication to the public,” he stressed.
Plateau Governor Bans Night Grazing, Motorcycle Use
In a related development, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has announced new security measures in response to recent violence in the state.
In a broadcast on Wednesday, he banned night grazing and prohibited the transportation of cattle by vehicle after 7:00 p.m. He also restricted the use of motorcycles between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. until further notice.
“Security deployments are being strengthened, and Operation Rainbow is being restructured to support community stability,” Mutfwang said.
He added that hospitals would provide free treatment to victims, and relief materials were already being sent to affected communities.
To bolster grassroots response, the governor directed traditional rulers and youth groups to revive local vigilante patrols and cooperate with security agencies.
“We must defend our communities while upholding the rule of law,” he emphasized.
Mutfwang also announced plans to appoint a Special Envoy on Peace to coordinate intelligence and grassroots engagement. An independent fact-finding committee will also be established to investigate the root causes of the recent violence and recommend actionable solutions.
