Minister accuses media of amplifying terrorist propaganda, urges responsible reporting

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has delivered a stern rebuke to sections of the Nigerian media, accusing them of inadvertently promoting terrorism and insecurity by giving extensive coverage to the activities of violent groups.

Speaking at the seventh edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, Idris appealed to journalists and media houses across the country to exercise greater discretion in their reportage, warning that sensational coverage of terrorist attacks and bandit activities undermines national security efforts.

“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices,” Idris stated. “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.”

He warned that terrorist and criminal elements are increasingly exploiting both mainstream media and social media platforms to instill fear, spread disinformation, and recruit vulnerable individuals. According to him, the media’s focus on high-profile attacks often amplifies the terrorists’ messages, inadvertently serving the objectives of those who seek to destabilize the country.

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

Idris called on media professionals to adopt a more responsible and patriotic tone in their reporting. He stressed the importance of avoiding sensational headlines that could glorify acts of terror or further propagate fear among the populace.

The minister’s comments come amid growing concern about how the portrayal of insecurity in Nigeria may influence public perception, affect morale within the security forces, and serve as a recruitment tool for extremist groups.

While acknowledging the press’s right and duty to inform the public, Idris emphasized the need for balance and national interest in reporting on security issues. He urged the media to instead amplify stories of resilience, military victories, and community efforts in the fight against insecurity.