The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has called on the Nigerian media to exercise heightened responsibility in the handling and dissemination of sensitive security information, while reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and sustained engagement with journalists.
The call was made by the Director-General of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, during the End-of-the-Year Media Parley held on Monday, 23 December 2025, in Abuja. He spoke on behalf of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Addressing publishers, editors, correspondents, and staff of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Laka commended the Nigerian media for its professionalism, resilience, and consistent support in reporting national security issues, often under challenging circumstances.
According to him, accurate reporting, responsible commentary, and constructive engagement by the media have played a crucial role in enhancing national awareness, countering extremist propaganda, and promoting unity in the face of terrorism and violent extremism.
“As a Centre, we have long recognized and deeply valued the consistent support you have extended to our work. Your reporting has helped shape public understanding of complex security realities and reinforced public confidence in the resolve of government to confront threats to national stability,” he said.
However, the NCTC boss emphasized that the parley also provided an important opportunity to reiterate a matter of critical national interest—the need for caution in the publication of sensitive operational and intelligence-related information.
He noted that in an era of instant news cycles and digital virality, premature disclosure of security details could compromise ongoing operations, endanger lives, undermine investigations, and inadvertently aid terrorists and criminal elements who actively exploit open-source information.
“Our appeal is not for silence, but for responsibility. Not for restraint in holding institutions accountable, but for discernment in separating what should be reported immediately from what should be handled with caution in the overriding interest of national security,” he stressed.
Maj.-Gen. Laka reaffirmed that national security and press freedom are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of a stable democracy, adding that a well-informed public must be balanced with the protection of sensitive security processes.
He assured journalists that the NCTC remains committed to continuous engagement with the media through briefings, background sessions, and structured information sharing to ensure accurate and contextual reporting.
Looking ahead to the coming year, the Director-General warned that terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, and organized crime continue to evolve in tactics and form, making strategic communication, intelligence fusion, and national cohesion more critical than ever.
He described the media as a vital ally in denying criminals the publicity they seek while reassuring citizens of the government’s resolve and capacity to secure the nation.
The parley ended with appreciation for the media’s collaboration throughout the year and a call for sustained partnership in 2026.
“We count on your continued support, understanding, and responsible partnership as we work together to keep Nigeria safe, secure, and united,” he concluded, while wishing journalists peaceful celebrations and a prosperous new year.
