By Aliyu Dangida
Media and security agencies occupy critical positions in the architecture of nation-building. While security agencies are entrusted with protecting lives, property, and national sovereignty.
Chairman of the occasion and Chief host, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made the disclosure in his welcome address at a two day NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja, said media serves as the watchdog of society, the marketplace of ideas, and the bridge between government and citizens.
According to the Minister both institutions share a common objective: safeguarding the national interest and promoting peace, unity, and development, added that the relationship between the media and security agencies must therefore be founded on mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and an appreciation of their complementary roles.
He said: “Security operations require discretion, accuracy, and strategic communication. The media, on the other hand, has a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, promote accountability, and combat misinformation.
“When these responsibilities are properly aligned, they become powerful instruments for strengthening national security and public confidence”. He pointed out
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Mohammed Idris explained that Federal Government has continued to prioritise security as a fundamental pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Recognising that no meaningful development can occur without peace and stability, the administration has pursued a comprehensive security strategy that combines military action, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, technological innovation, and community engagement.
“As a result, significant gains have been recorded across various theatres of operation. Our security forces have continued to neutralise and apprehend terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities. Several terrorist commanders have been eliminated, while many criminal hideouts and camps have been dismantled through sustained military operations”. He noted.
The Minister stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working closely with intelligence and security agencies, have successfully rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims and restored normalcy to many communities previously under siege.
In the North-East, military offensives have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups. In the North-West and North-Central regions, intensified operations against banditry and kidnapping have yielded notable successes, while enhanced intelligence-led interventions continue to strengthen security responses across the country.
The Federal Government has also invested substantially in modern military equipment, intelligence infrastructure, surveillance technologies, and capacity building for security personnel. These efforts are improving operational effectiveness and enhancing the ability of our security agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
He commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Department of State Services for this laudable initiative, saying “It is my sincere hope that the deliberations and outcomes of this summit will further enhance collaboration between the media and security agencies and ultimately contribute to a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria”.
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