Niger Commissioner calls for public support, credible information to combat insecurity

By Baba Alfa, Minna

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Bello (rtd), has urged residents to actively support security agencies by providing reliable and timely information to help address the escalating insecurity in the region.

General Bello made the appeal on Monday during a press briefing held ahead of Niger State’s inaugural security summit in Minna.

The summit gathered key stakeholders from across the state, including traditional rulers, media representatives, security officials, and civil society groups, with the aim of developing practical strategies to confront the ongoing security challenges affecting parts of Niger State.

“Insecurity cannot be tackled by the government alone. It requires a united effort, particularly in the sharing of accurate information. Security is a collective responsibility.

“We rely on credible intelligence from the public to enable swift and effective responses to emerging threats,” Bello explained.

He pointed out that misinformation and the activities of impostors pretending to be media personnel have hindered security operations.

The commissioner called on the media to collaborate closely with the government by ensuring accurate reporting and avoiding sensationalism that could jeopardise lives or undermine ongoing security efforts.

In his remarks, Comrade Abu Nmodu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Niger State, voiced concerns about the growing number of unlicensed individuals posing as journalists.

He announced that the NUJ plans to begin screening media practitioners in the state to uphold professionalism and safeguard the credibility of journalism.

Also speaking, Comrade Hamza Waziri, representing the Chief Press Secretary, reaffirmed the vital role of the media in combating insecurity, describing journalists as essential partners in public awareness campaigns and grassroots mobilisation.