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The Federal Government has urged journalists and social media influencers to avoid giving bandits and terrorists the publicity they seek through their reports and online content.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Monday at the maiden edition of the Arewa Media Summit, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, in Kano.

According to the minister, the media has a critical role in strengthening national unity and preventing violent groups from using publicity to spread fear.

“The media has an indispensable role in denying violent extremists the publicity they seek while promoting unity, resilience and hope,” Idris said.

He also stressed that democracy can only flourish when government remains transparent, citizens participate responsibly, and the media carries out its constitutional responsibility with professionalism, fairness and integrity.

The minister noted that advances in technology have changed the way information is shared, with smartphones turning virtually everyone into a publisher.

However, he warned that the same technology has also fuelled the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of undermining national unity and eroding public trust.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, said the summit was organised to strengthen dialogue between government, citizens and the media through accountability, responsibility and ethical communication.

“Social media influencers who command enormous audiences must use their platforms responsibly by verifying information before publication and avoiding content capable of creating division, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.