The Federal Government has cautioned media organisations across Nigeria against glorifying criminal activities in their reports.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged journalists, editors, and publishers to prioritise patriotism and national stability by downplaying the activities of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements, particularly on front pages.
Idris made the call on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at a two-day national security summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS).
The summit was themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
The Minister assured participants that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration remains committed to upholding press freedom and responsible journalism.
“Yes, we have to do our work. We have to report whatever happens,” he said. “But you must know that the best reporter and the best editor is the one who knows what not to report in the interest of nation-building.
“Please, take these terrorists and criminals off your front pages. This is what they crave — free publicity.
“It saddens my mind when I see our front pages and headlines giving prominence to the activities of these criminals while underplaying the efforts of our security agencies.”
Idris warned that no media organisation can thrive in an unstable nation, stressing that national security is undermined when misinformation is amplified without verification.
“National security is not served when misinformation is amplified without verification. Neither is it served when legitimate public concerns are ignored,” he added.
He also highlighted recent achievements by the military and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Oil wells: Churches deny claim against Kumuyi, Adeboye, Oyedepo
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas By Olufemi Adediran The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Living Faith Church Worldwide and the Deeper Christian Life Ministry have reacted to an allegation that former President Olusegun Obasanjo allocated oil wells to their leaders during his administration. The allegation was made by the founder and President of the Ministers’ Prayer Network, Rev.…
-
How Buhari’s Advice Cost Me APC Presidential Ticket, Handed Victory To Tinubu — Amaechi Reveals
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed his defeat to President Bola Tinubu in the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary on his decision to follow the advice of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Amaechi said Buhari had promised to endorse him as the APC presidential candidate but advised him against…
-
2027: Obi is coming to stop the erosion of Nigeria’s commonwealth, NDC tells Tinubu
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is coming to stop what it described as the erosion of Nigeria’s commonwealth if elected president. The party said Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, were determined to address the…
