The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has identified malnutrition, drug abuse and the growing influx of foreigners into Nigeria’s media space as emerging threats contributing to insecurity in the country.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, made this known on Friday at the two-day National Security Summit organised by the NUJ in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together media practitioners, security experts and former military spokespersons to explore strategies for strengthening collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking at the event, Abdullahi stressed that journalists must continue to place national security and development at the forefront of their reportage, noting that the media has a crucial role to play in safeguarding the nation’s stability.
He expressed concern over the increasing presence of foreigners in Nigeria’s media environment, describing the trend as a matter requiring deliberate policy intervention and closer scrutiny because of its potential security implications.
The NUJ president also linked insecurity to rising cases of malnutrition, arguing that the issue is often overlooked despite its long-term consequences on national development.
“Many people may wonder why we are discussing malnutrition at a security summit, but it is a serious challenge and Nigeria is among the countries most affected globally. Children suffering from malnutrition often experience stunted growth and reduced intellectual capacity, which ultimately affects the future of society,” he said.
Abdullahi further identified drug abuse as a major security threat, citing disturbing statistics presented during the summit which showed increasing levels of addiction among Nigerian youths.
“The figures are alarming and worrisome. The growing scale of drug abuse in the country should concern all of us because of its direct link to crime and insecurity,” he added.
He emphasised that collaboration between journalists and security agencies was imperative, urging both sides to work together in reshaping security narratives and promoting national unity.
Also speaking, President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Musikilu Mojeed, advocated dialogue and institutional mechanisms as the most effective means of resolving disputes between government agencies and the media.
Mojeed cited previous disagreements between security agencies and media organisations that were resolved through engagement rather than intimidation, noting that such experiences demonstrate that many conflicts can be amicably settled through dialogue and corrective measures.
“The challenge is not to eliminate disagreements but to develop mechanisms that reduce misunderstanding. One way of achieving this is through regular dialogue, not only during periods of crisis when positions have already hardened,” he said.
He recommended the establishment of structured engagement platforms between media organisations and security institutions while urging government agencies to utilise complaint channels and judicial processes where necessary.
Former Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd.), also underscored the importance of dialogue, recounting how a past military search of newspaper distribution vehicles over security concerns was quickly resolved through consultations between the military and media stakeholders.
According to him, the incident lasted only a day because both parties embraced engagement over confrontation, proving that communication remains the most effective tool for resolving disputes.
Similarly, former Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabir Aliyu (rtd.), described the media as strategic partners in national security rather than adversaries.
Drawing from historical and international experiences, Aliyu noted that military leaders across the world have long recognised the influence of the media in shaping public opinion and supporting national objectives.
“The media are not enemies of government or security agencies. They are partners. What is important is for security institutions to communicate with them and explain issues that have national security implications,” he stated.
Earlier, former NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, urged journalists to exercise caution in reporting security-related matters, warning against giving undue prominence to information that could undermine national security.
He noted that terrorist groups often exploit information disseminated through the media to advance their activities, stressing that journalists must remain circumspect and uphold the principles of responsible journalism in their reportage.
