The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has disclosed that the Nigerian military has recorded successes in neutralising bandits, terrorists and kidnappers in the country.
Mohammed said this while urging media practitioners to intensify efforts according to the priority of national interest in discharging their constitutional and professional duties.
He also noted that the marching order given by the president to security agents to hunt, pursue and speak to terrorists has started yielding positive results.
The minister made the call on Tuesday in Kano at the opening of a two-day National Conference on Culture, Peace and National Security: “The role of the media”, organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
Mohammed was represented by the Director, International Cultural Relations in the ministry, Mrs Maimuna Idu-Lah.
“It is against this background that the role of critical stakeholders, especially the media, cannot be overemphasised.
“Skewed reporting, as well as the phenomenon of fake news, hate speech and misinformation, has the capacity to worsen the security situation.
“They do not only create fear among the citizens but can also adversely affect the morale of our security personnel.
“We, therefore, appeal to our media practitioners to accord national interest priority in the discharge of their constitutional and professional duties,” he said.
“The military has recorded successes in neutralising bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals across the country,” he added.
Mohammed said apart from investing heavily in purchasing security equipment, Mr President had sent to the National Assembly bills on the transmission of explosives, as well as control of small arms and light weapons.