NUJ Security Summit Pushes for Stronger Media–Security Collaboration in Nigeria

Stakeholders at the 2026 National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called for deeper collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and strengthen nation-building in Nigeria.
The two-day summit, held in Abuja on June 18 and 19, was convened by the NUJ in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) under the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”

The gathering brought together journalists, media executives, heads of security and intelligence agencies, government officials, academics, civil society groups, women’s organisations, and development partners to examine the role of communication, public trust, and institutional cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Security a Shared Responsibility — NUJ President
In his opening address, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, described the summit as a timely response to Nigeria’s growing security concerns, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, violent extremism, communal clashes, separatist agitations, and the spread of misinformation.
He said national security should not be left to security agencies alone, stressing that the media, government, civil society, and citizens all have vital roles to play in building a safer and more stable country.

According to him, ethical and responsible journalism remains essential in promoting public accountability, national unity, and informed civic participation, particularly in periods of uncertainty and crisis.
Information Minister Seeks Greater Trust Between Media, Security Agencies
Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, underscored the complementary roles of journalists and security institutions in nation-building.
He noted that while security agencies are constitutionally empowered to protect lives, property, and the territorial integrity of the nation, the media serves as a public watchdog, educator, and a vital bridge between the government and the people.
The minister called for improved trust, professionalism, and strategic communication between both institutions, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to intelligence-led operations, military modernisation, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based responses to insecurity.

Experts Highlight Role of Media in Security Operations
Delivering a presentation titled “The Media as an Impact Multiplier in Military Operations and National Development,” Professor Okey Ikechukwu described the media as a critical force in shaping public understanding of security operations.
He said effective security management in the modern era requires not only operational success, but also public cooperation and strategic communication, warning that poor communication can create room for harmful narratives and public distrust.
On the relationship between press freedom and national security, Musikilu Mojeed, President of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, said both values are essential pillars of democracy and should not be treated as opposing interests.
Mojeed argued that disagreements between journalists and security agencies should be resolved through dialogue, professional accountability, and legal processes rather than intimidation or coercion.

Women’s Role in Peacebuilding Highlighted
The summit also featured a presentation by Aisha Ibrahim, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), who called for greater inclusion of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and security governance.
She said women remain strategic actors in early warning systems, community stability, and social cohesion, but are still underrepresented in formal security and peacebuilding structures.

Summit Recommends Dialogue, Training, and Stronger Public Communication
At the end of the deliberations, participants called for the establishment of structured dialogue platforms between media organisations and security agencies to improve trust and reduce friction.
They also urged security agencies to adopt more timely, transparent, and coordinated communication strategies to counter misinformation and build public confidence, while encouraging media organisations to strengthen fact-checking systems and uphold professional ethics in security reporting.
Other recommendations included regular joint training programmes for journalists and security communication officers, greater investment in education, youth empowerment, and social protection, and stronger support for community-based security systems and early warning mechanisms.
The summit also called for greater inclusion of women in security governance and urged stakeholders, including the NDLEA, schools, faith-based institutions, and community leaders, to intensify efforts against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Participants further appealed to state governments to strengthen support for state-owned media organisations, while preserving editorial professionalism and independence. They also urged the Federal Government to increase funding for the military, police, intelligence services, and other security agencies to improve logistics, intelligence gathering, and technological capacity.
Commitment to Continued Partnership
The summit ended with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation between the media and security agencies in the national interest.
Participants stressed that sustainable peace and development in Nigeria will depend on a broad partnership built on trust, transparency, accountability, constitutionalism, and responsible communication.