…….Minister Idris Says Security Depends On Informed Citizens.
FIC Report (Abia State) – The Federal Government has identified media literacy and responsible digital citizenship as critical tools in the fight against insecurity saying that criminal elements now weaponize misinformation and hate speech to destabilize communities.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, disclosed this on Thursday, July 30, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
Speaking on the theme “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability”, the Minister said “today’s security challenges are fought not only on the battlefield but also in the information space.”
“Criminal groups increasingly exploit misinformation, disinformation and hate speech to spread fear, divide communities and weaken national cohesion,” Idris stated. “That is why communication has become an essential pillar of national security.”
He announced that through the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, National Orientation Agency and the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), the Federal Government is promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills to help citizens reject falsehoods and extremist propaganda.
“In today’s digital age, every citizen has a responsibility not only to consume information responsibly but also to ensure that what they share contributes to peace rather than division,” the Minister added.
He also commended journalists for upholding professionalism and urged media practitioners to resist sensationalism and narratives that serve criminal interests.
Minister Idris said the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has adopted a comprehensive security strategy combining military operations, intelligence-led policing, judicial accountability, economic development and strategic partnerships.
He noted that since May 2023, security forces have recorded significant successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil thieves through improved intelligence sharing, better inter-agency coordination and modern equipment.
Nigeria has also deepened cooperation with the United States and other nations on counter-terrorism and intelligence.
On the rule of law, Idris said Nigeria is undertaking one of its largest terrorism prosecution exercises under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to ensure due process and accountability.
The Minister stressed that security and development are inseparable. He cited the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the South East Development Commission as key to accelerating infrastructure renewal and economic activity in the region.
He listed ongoing Federal Government investments in major roads, rail modernization, power and digital connectivity across the South-East.
On human capital, Idris said programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), youth empowerment, digital skills and MSME financing are “strategic investments in national security”, noting that “every young Nigerian empowered through education or enterprise is less vulnerable to criminal recruitment.”
Addressing the debate on policing, the Minister described the ongoing constitutional process on State Police as “an important opportunity to strengthen grassroots policing.”
He called on Governors, State Legislatures, traditional and religious leaders, civil society and the media to engage constructively in the process.
He also charged traditional rulers, religious leaders and citizens to promote dialogue, strengthen social cohesion and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.
“Peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, of opportunity, of inclusion, and of hope,” Idris said. “When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes.”
The Summit was attended by Governors of the South-East States, the Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (Rtd), members of the National Assembly, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders,PGs,Youth Leaders and other stakeholders. The event was convened by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Hon. Barr. Chioma Nweze.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
30th July,2026.
