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 undermine national unity.
Idris gave the warning on Thursday at the South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia, Abia State. The summit was organised by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, in collaboration with the South-East Governors’ Forum.
The event brought together governors from the region, senior military officers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, civil society groups, security agencies and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for addressing insecurity.
Speaking at the summit, the minister stressed that ensuring security could no longer be left solely to government and security agencies, calling instead for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“The theme of this summit captures an enduring truth. 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.
Idris described the South-East as a region renowned for enterprise, innovation and resilience, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the zone.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had adopted a comprehensive security strategy that combines military operations, intelligence-led policing, judicial reforms, economic development and strategic partnerships.
According to him, the government has continued to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies and expand security formations to improve coverage nationwide.
The minister also emphasised the close link between security and development, arguing that communities with better access to infrastructure, education, employment and economic opportunities are less vulnerable to crime and violent extremism.
He cited ongoing investments in roads, power and digital infrastructure across the South-East as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve security.
Idris further highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the initiative was designed to keep more young Nigerians in school and reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by criminal groups.
Addressing the growing threat of misinformation, the minister said modern security challenges are no longer fought only on the battlefield but also in the information space.
“Criminal groups are increasingly exploiting misinformation, disinformation and hate speech to spread fear, divide communities and weaken national cohesion,” he said.
He warned that false information circulated on social media could trigger panic, erode public confidence and embolden criminal networks.
To address the challenge, Idris disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in partnership with UNESCO, had established a Media and Information Literacy Institute to equip Nigerians—particularly young people—with the skills to identify fake news, verify information and resist online manipulation.
“Social media has enormous benefits, but if not properly used, it also has the capacity to create division, disharmony and chaos,” he said.
The minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism and patriotism, cautioning against sensational reporting capable of advancing the agenda of criminal elements.
“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 added.
On constitutional reforms, Idris expressed support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step towards making security more responsive to local realities.
He encouraged governors, state legislatures, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to actively participate in the ongoing constitutional review process.
The minister also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations to deepen collaboration with security agencies, promote dialogue and foster peaceful coexistence.
“Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, opportunity, inclusion and hope,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the region’s future, Idris said sustained collaboration among governments, security agencies and local communities would create a safer environment for residents and businesses.
“When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes,” he declared.
