FG Moves to Tighten Homeland Security Coordination, Fight Misinformation
Information Minister Idris says security challenges require collaboration beyond military action
The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen coordination among security agencies, government institutions, communities and citizens as part of efforts to promote peace, national security and sustainable development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the commitment on Thursday in Abuja when the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd.), paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
Idris described the engagement as an important opportunity to deepen understanding of the mandate of the newly established Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security and improve collaboration in communicating security policies and initiatives to Nigerians.
“Peace and security are essential elements; in fact, they are the building blocks of any development that can happen anywhere,” the minister said.
‘You cannot shoot yourself out of this problem’
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges could not be resolved through military action alone, saying a broader, coordinated approach involving security agencies, government institutions, communities, the media and citizens was necessary.
“You cannot shoot yourself out of this problem. Security requires collaboration between the security agencies, the armed forces and the general public,” Idris said.
He highlighted the grassroots presence of the National Orientation Agency and other institutions under the Ministry, noting that they were strategically positioned to strengthen community resilience, encourage responsible citizenship and provide Nigerians with accurate and timely information.
Idris also identified fake news, misinformation and disinformation as growing national security threats, stressing the importance of responsible communication and improved media and information literacy.
Homeland Security Office outlines priorities
Famadewa said his visit was aimed at establishing a strong working relationship with the Ministry, noting that information management and public education were critical components of modern homeland security.
According to him, the new office will focus on unified intelligence and surveillance, stronger border security, improved identification of security threats, as well as effective protocols for reporting and responding to crises.
“Information is key in asymmetric warfare. The first person to speak wins, and we cannot sit back and allow others to shape perception for us,” he said.
The Special Adviser emphasised the need for effective communication during security incidents to prevent misinformation from shaping public perception and potentially escalating crises.
FG promises stronger communication on security
Idris assured the Special Adviser of the Ministry’s full cooperation, saying stronger inter-agency coordination, effective communication and active citizen participation would contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; Special Assistant (Administration) to the Minister, Dr. Sunday Baba; Director of Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike; Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Dr. Haruna Suleiman; and other senior officials.
Also present were the Coordinator, Intelligence & Analysis, Major General Emmanuel Ndagi (Rtd.); Coordinator, Operations, Major General Hassan Dada (Rtd.); Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; and Director-General of the News Agency of Nigeria, Ali Muhammad Ali.
