Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has appealed to media organisations across the country to reduce the prominence given to terrorist groups in news coverage, urging editors and media leaders to prioritize responsible journalism that promotes national stability and public confidence.
The call was made as authorities expressed concerns that excessive publicity of terrorist activities could inadvertently amplify fear, spread panic among citizens, and provide extremist groups with the attention they seek.
Government officials emphasized that while the media has a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, news coverage should be balanced and avoid unintentionally glorifying or amplifying the actions of criminal and terrorist elements. They encouraged newsrooms to focus more on stories highlighting security successes, community resilience, and efforts being made to restore peace in affected regions.
According to the Federal Government, responsible reporting plays a critical role in national security, particularly at a time when security agencies are intensifying operations against insurgents, bandits, and other violent groups across the country.
Media leaders were urged to uphold professional ethics by ensuring accuracy, context, and sensitivity in reporting security-related incidents. The government stressed that the objective is not to suppress press freedom but to encourage reporting that serves the public interest without aiding the propaganda objectives of terrorist organizations.
The appeal comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, with authorities maintaining that cooperation between government institutions, the media, and citizens remains essential in the fight against terrorism.
