Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged the media to avoid promoting terrorist propaganda, whether intentionally or unintentionally, warning that such actions glorify terrorist acts and spread fear among the public.
Addressing a two-day training workshop on “Effective Reporting Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideologies” for Defence Correspondents and Reporters at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the minister emphasized the detrimental effects of fake news and sensational reporting.
“Sensational reporting can inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear. Similarly, misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the terrorist acts themselves. You must avoid this at all costs,” he said.
Idris highlighted the media’s significant role in combating terrorism and insurgency, stating, “The media holds immense power to influence minds, shape narratives, and promote peace. In the fight against terrorism, the media can either undermine or bolster our collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies. Through your reports, images, and commentaries, you have the unique ability to educate, inform, and inspire resilience among the public.”
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He further explained that terrorism is an ideological battle where extremist groups exploit vulnerabilities, spread fear, and propagate messages that present them as fighting for a social cause to further their depraved agenda. “To counter this, we must offer compelling, positive alternatives that resonate with the same audiences targeted by terrorists. Therefore, your reporting plays a pivotal role in this endeavor,” he added.
Idris urged the media to project successful initiatives and programs of NCTC and ONSA that counter radicalization and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists into the community. He also encouraged Defence Correspondents and Reporters to work closely with security experts, sociologists, psychologists, and community leaders to provide a multi-faceted perspective on terrorism and its alternatives.
“Use data and research to back your stories, thereby enhancing credibility and depth. At all times, the media should uphold the ethics of journalism by being objective and fair and guard against sensationalism. You must also respect the dignity of victims and affected communities and avoid language that could be construed as biased or inflammatory,” he stated.
The minister commended the NCTC and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their proactive efforts in the fight against terrorism and their numerous successful rescue operations of kidnap victims, which are often carried out without publicity. He praised NCTC’s strategy of regular engagement with the media, which significantly contributes to shaping public perception and understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and national security.
In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by National Coordinator NCTC Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, called on the media to use their platforms to counter terrorists’ propaganda to prevent the recruitment of young and vulnerable Nigerians. He emphasized the need for robust media campaigns against insecurity in the country.
“Terrorist groups have continued to provide dysfunctional information through social media platforms, networking sites, and online propaganda, appealing for easy recruitment, especially among the youths. This is a situation that we must jointly combat to attain a safe and peaceful society that will guarantee sustainable socioeconomic development. To achieve this, media practitioners must produce content that counters or prevents the appeals of terrorism and other non-state armed groups,” Ribadu said.
