The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that fake news, misinformation and hate speech are increasingly being exploited by criminal groups to fuel insecurity, spread fear and threaten Nigeria’s unity.
Idris made the remarks on Thursday at the South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State. The summit was organised by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, in collaboration with the South-East Governors’ Forum, and was attended by governors, military chiefs, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
According to the minister, tackling insecurity requires more than the efforts of government and security agencies, stressing that citizens, communities, traditional institutions and the media all have important roles to play.
“Security cannot be delivered by government alone. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach where institutions, communities and citizens work together with a shared sense of purpose,” he said.
Describing the South-East as a region known for enterprise, innovation and resilience, Idris assured participants that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
He explained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is implementing a comprehensive security strategy that combines military operations, intelligence-led policing, judicial reforms, economic development and strategic partnerships to tackle insecurity.
The minister also noted that the government is investing in roads, electricity and digital infrastructure across the South-East, arguing that economic development and improved living conditions are essential to reducing crime.
He added that initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are designed to keep more young Nigerians in school and reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by criminal groups.
Speaking on the dangers of misinformation, Idris warned that today’s security threats are no longer limited to physical attacks but also extend to the digital space.
“Criminal groups are increasingly exploiting misinformation, disinformation and hate speech to spread fear, divide communities and weaken national cohesion,” he said.
According to him, false information shared on social media has the potential to create panic, destroy public trust and strengthen criminal networks.
To address the challenge, Idris disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in partnership with UNESCO, has established a Media and Information Literacy Institute to help Nigerians—especially young people—identify fake news, verify information and avoid online manipulation.
“The social media has enormous benefits, but if not properly used, it also has the capacity to create division, disharmony and chaos,” he added.
The minister also urged journalists to remain professional and avoid sensational reporting that could unintentionally promote the activities of criminal groups.
“The media remains indispensable to democracy and nation-building. Whatever you report has the capacity either to unite us as a nation or to create division,” he said.
On security reforms, Idris expressed support for the establishment of state police, saying it would make security operations more responsive to local challenges.
He also called on governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations to work more closely with security agencies in promoting peace, dialogue and unity.
“Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, opportunity, inclusion and hope,” he stated.
The minister expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies and communities would improve security across the South-East and strengthen Nigeria as a whole.
Source: South-East Regional Security Summit, Umuahia.
