Don’t Give Terrorists Front Page Attention, Minister Urges Media
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerian media professionals and editors to play a strategic role in the fight against terrorism by denying terrorist groups the publicity they seek.
Speaking at the 7th edition of the 2025 ministerial press briefing Series in Abuja on Wednesday, Idris emphasised that the media’s editorial choices could significantly impact national security and the morale of the Armed Forces.
Idris noted that the media has a crucial role in supporting the military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices.
“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices. Our armed forces are not only respected by global allies but also feared by those who threaten our collective peace.
“It is equally important to recognise that the fight against insecurity is not limited to kinetic approaches. It is also a battle for the hearts and minds of our people – one that terrorist groups are actively exploiting through propaganda, especially on social media platforms.
“I therefore call on our media professionals and editors to be discerning in their reportage. We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave,” he said.
The minister stressed that the fight against insecurity extends beyond kinetic approaches to a battle for the hearts and minds of the people.
Idris called on media professionals and editors to be discerning in their reportage, denying terrorist groups the undue publicity they crave.
Idris also stated that Nigeria’s Armed Forces have continued to gain ground against insurgents, aided by new weaponry, improved intelligence, and international cooperation.
He added that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated its resolve through concrete actions, including acquiring advanced platforms and armaments, enhancing intelligence gathering, and strategic global partnerships.
“Let us remember that responsible and patriotic journalism is essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria – one that holds promise not just for our nation, but for the stability and development of the entire West African sub-region and the African continent at large,” he said.
Don’t Give Terrorists Front Page Attention, Minister Urges Media is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
