Minister to media: Stop granting undue publicity to terrorists, support national security

Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, has asked the media professionals to stop granting undue publicity to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the country.

Idris spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the the seventh edition of the 2025 ministerial press briefing series.

He also stressed the indispensable role of media in shaping public knowledge and complementing national security efforts.

The minister noted that the media, as the gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting the military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices

“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave,” he said.

“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.”

He added that terrorist and criminal groups often manipulate media coverage and social media platforms to spread fear, propagate disinformation, and recruit followers.

“These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such,” he said.

Idris noted that the federal government is actively investing in military capacity through the acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced intelligence, and strategic partnerships.

“Through this interactive platform, which is being broadcast live on national television stations and streamed across social media platforms, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement,” he stated.

He commended the media for its continued support of the ministerial briefing series and the broader role in promoting public awareness of government initiatives.