The Federal Government has urged Nigerian journalists to exercise restraint and professionalism when reporting on sensitive security issues, warning that the premature release of operational details could compromise national security and put lives at risk.
The call was made by the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCT), Major-General Adamu Laka, during the Centre’s End-of-Year Media Briefing held in Abuja. The briefing was aimed at strengthening cooperation between security agencies and the media.
Major-General Laka commended media practitioners for their resilience and commitment to duty, but cautioned against the publication of sensitive information related to ongoing security operations and intelligence activities. He stressed that responsible journalism plays a crucial role in supporting national security objectives.
He also noted that bandits and armed groups operating across the country have been formally classified as terrorists, underscoring the seriousness of the threat they pose. According to him, effective counter-terrorism efforts require a careful balance between the public’s right to know and the need to protect operational integrity.
The NCT coordinator reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained engagement with the media, describing journalists as key stakeholders in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity.