THE Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to improve national security and strengthen public trust in governance.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the yesterday in Abuja at a National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS).

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, media executives and communication experts to examine how both sectors can work more effectively in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Idris said the media and security institutions play complementary roles in safeguarding the nation, noting that both are essential to stability, unity and development.

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

The Minister stressed that stronger collaboration built on professionalism, mutual trust and respect would enhance security operations and improve public confidence in government efforts.

He acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face complex security threats, including terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, organised crime, misinformation and separatist agitations, all of which require coordinated responses.

Idris said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised security under the Renewed Hope Agenda through a multi-pronged strategy combining military action, intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, technology deployment and community engagement.

“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,” he said.

He added that security agencies have recorded gains through the neutralisation and arrest of terrorist and criminal elements, dismantling of hideouts and the rescue of kidnapped victims across the country.

According to him, sustained operations have weakened terrorist networks in the North-East, while intensified efforts against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central have produced positive results.

Idris also disclosed that the Federal Government has invested in modern equipment, surveillance systems, intelligence infrastructure and capacity building to enhance the effectiveness of security operations.

Beyond military measures, he said the government is also addressing underlying causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, infrastructure development, education and social intervention programmes.

On the role of the media, the Minister warned against the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms, noting that unverified reports could undermine national security efforts.

“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 said.

He urged journalists to maintain high standards of professionalism, accuracy and ethics, while encouraging security agencies to improve transparency and timely communication with the public.

Idris also assured that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would continue to promote constructive engagement between the media and security institutions through dialogue, training and public enlightenment programmes.

He described security as a collective responsibility, calling on citizens, community leaders, civil society organisations and religious bodies to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability across the country.

The Minister commended the NUJ and DSS for organising the summit, expressing confidence that the discussions would produce actionable recommendations to strengthen cooperation between both sectors.