By John Ogunsemore
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has asked media professionals not to grant undue publicity to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the country.
Idris made the appeal at the seventh edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held on Wednesday at the National Press Centre, Abuja.
The minister emphasised that the media must take cognisance of their critical power in shaping public perception.
He said, “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.
“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives.”
The minister explained that terrorist and criminal groups often manipulate media coverage and social media platforms to spread fear, propagate disinformation, and recruit followers.
In this context, he urged journalists and editors to adopt a responsible and patriotic approach to reportage by avoiding sensational headlines and refusing to serve as inadvertent amplifiers of terror propaganda.
“These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such,” he said.
Idris highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its pillar on “Strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity”.
He noted that the Federal Government is actively investing in military capacity through acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced intelligence, and strategic partnerships.