The Federal Government has explained how the media can help in the war against terrorism, banditry and other security challenges confronting the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Security Summit on Thursday said the media must see themselves as partners in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

Idris said at the summit that the relationship between the media and security agencies must be one of mutual respect and collaboration.

“National security cannot be achieved in a country where misinformation is prevalent,” he said.

He called on journalists to follow ethical standards and report responsibly on security issues.

“Therefore, the relationship between the media and the security agencies should be one of mutual respect, professionalism, trust and appreciation for their complementary roles.

“There is no amplification of misinformation without verification as national security is not served. Nor is it served when legitimate concerns of the public are ignored,” he said.

Speaking through his aide, Chido Onumah, the country’s NSA said the government appreciates the right and duty of the media to inform but also the need for a structured channel of information sharing that balances transparency with operational security.

“We’re all in this together. “Journalists need access to credible information; security agencies need to do better on their communication and transparency”, he said.

NUJ President Alhassan Yahaya Abdu, security chiefs and media stakeholders discussed on “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”

The summit comes as Nigeria is grappling with a surge in insecurity and the deaths of several Nigerians.