FG seeks media support in counterterrorism efforts

The Federal Government has appealed to media executives to assist in the fight against terrorism and destructive ideologies by leveraging their respective platforms to counter these threats.

The government stressed the critical role media has played in the past in enlightening and reengineering the public mindset.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj Gen Adamu Laka (retd), made this appeal during a meeting with media executives and editors in Abuja.

He noted that the media can disseminate messages promoting respect for human dignity, appreciation of national diversity, and fostering loyalty to the country.

Laka said, “While we count on your support and cooperation as the final gatekeepers, all media content is published with your consent. It is your sacred duty to take full control and effectively use your platforms to promote mutual trust, build unity among Nigerians, and counter the destructive ideologies of terrorist groups.”

Laka noted that the NCTC views the media as critical partners in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes.

He added that the Centre, in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), conducted a 2-day training on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting for journalists in June this year.

He stressed, “NCTC is engaging a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to drive home the significance of contributions from every sector of the Nigerian economy in the fight against the enemies of the Nigerian state. This meeting aims to draw from your wealth of knowledge and experience to spark a conversation that will set a tangible agenda for the government, political leaders, and policymakers. It will also provide guidance for informed decision-making, national planning, and the implementation of national reconstruction and sustainable development programs.”

Former military spokesperson and Chairman of the Board, Centre for Crisis Communication, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade (retd), noted that the publication of unverifiable information continues to fuel terrorism in Nigeria.

He reiterated that the media is a critical partner in the fight against terrorism and urged media professionals to support government efforts in combating violent crimes in the country.

In his goodwill message, Senior Adviser for Strategic Communication, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa, encouraged the media to balance the public’s right to know with national security concerns.

He stressed that media reports often have both intended and unintended consequences. Mijinyawa said that the Terrorism Prevention Act envisions the role of the media in counterterrorism, underscoring the need for collaboration with the government to end terrorism in Nigeria.