The Federal Government has called on journalists, editors and social media influencers to avoid giving undue publicity to terrorists and bandits, warning that sensational coverage of violent crimes only advances the objectives of criminal groups and fuels fear among Nigerians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Monday at the maiden edition of the Arewa Media Summit in Kano, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz.
Addressing media professionals, digital content creators and communication stakeholders, Idris said the media must balance its constitutional duty to inform the public with the responsibility of protecting national security and promoting social cohesion.
“The media has an indispensable role in denying violent extremists the publicity they seek while promoting unity, resilience and hope,” the minister said.
He noted that the digital revolution has transformed every smartphone into a publishing platform, making it easier for information to spread rapidly, but warned that the same technology has also accelerated the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of undermining national unity and eroding public confidence.
“The digital revolution has transformed communication, making every smartphone a broadcasting platform. However, the same technology has also increased the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of threatening national unity and public confidence,” Idris stated.
The minister stressed that democracy flourishes when governments are transparent, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its watchdog role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
His remarks reinforce an earlier appeal made at the National Security Summit in Abuja, where he urged media organisations to stop giving terrorists and bandits prominent front-page coverage.
“Please take these terrorists and criminals off your front pages.
This is what they crave for free of charge,” he had said, arguing that excessive publicity amplifies the narratives of violent groups while overshadowing the sacrifices of security personnel.
Speaking earlier at the Kano summit, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, said the gathering was convened to strengthen dialogue between government, citizens and the media through accountability, responsibility and ethical communication.
He urged social media influencers, who command large online audiences, to verify information before publishing and avoid content capable of creating division, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The summit attracted journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, academics, policymakers, digital creators and communication professionals from across Northern Nigeria to deliberate on the theme, “Government, Citizens: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice.”
