By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Federal Government has called on the media to act with responsibility in reporting security matters, noting that in times of crisis, unverified reporting can mislead the public, embolden terrorists, and undermine national efforts to contain insecurity.
This is contained in a statement by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, while clarifying the Nigerian Air Force precision strikes on the Jili axis in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The minister adds that the Federal Government stresses that press freedom must be matched with responsibility, just as the public deserves verified and accurate information, especially on matters of national security.
Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to defeating terrorism through concrete action. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, recently disclosed that 386 convictions were secured from 508 terrorism-related cases in a landmark trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The convictions, involving Boko Haram and ISWAP suspects, included sentences up to life imprisonment, with offenders found guilty of providing material support to insurgents.
Observers from Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission monitored the trials. The government has also published a list of 48 individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing, reinforcing that there is no safe haven for those who support terrorism.
The minister assures that the Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry and will not allow the exploitation of tragic incidents to weaken national resolve or undermine the mission of the Armed Forces.
The Government remains committed to greater precision, accountability, and sustained action until lasting peace is achieved. It concludes.
