The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described as misleading a recent story wherein he was quoted as having said that the recent security concerns expressed by the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, should be ignored.
Zulum had said that the Islamist group Boko Haram has renewed its attacks and kidnappings in the state with little pushback from security forces, suggesting that authorities in the region are losing ground to the insurgents.
Zulum stated this during a meeting with security forces in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Tuesday.
DAILY POST can report authoritatively that Boko Haram militants and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have mainly operated in the northeast of Nigeria, attacking security forces and civilians, and killing and displacing tens of thousands of people.
However, the Minister was said to have dismissed the governor in a publication (NOT BY DAILY POST).
In a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Idris noted that this is categorically false and a gross distortion of the Minister’s remarks.
“At no time did the Minister say, ‘Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.’ Such a headline is not only sensational but deliberately crafted as a deliberate act of misinformation to stoke public misunderstanding and distract from the serious work the Federal Government is doing to address security challenges,” the statement said.
It further explained that the Minister acknowledged that while the Federal Government has made significant progress in restoring peace and security across many parts of the country, some areas continue to face security challenges.
The statement made further clarification, saying that Idris emphasized the ongoing efforts by the military and security forces, the sustained investments in security hardware and intelligence, and the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister further called on all stakeholders, including state governments, to continue partnering with the Federal Government to bring lasting peace to affected communities.
Idris said his comments “were intended to provide context on the progress made, not to dismiss or downplay legitimate concerns.”
“We urge media platforms to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism by avoiding sensationalism and publishing only verified and accurate information. The task of rebuilding peace and security in our nation is a collective one that must not be undermined by reckless and irresponsible reportage,” he said.
