The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised a serious alarm over what it calls exaggerated and distorted media coverage of the National Security Adviser's counter-terrorism operations. The group specifically pointed to reporting following a recent security incident in Kwara State as particularly problematic.
CNG Defends Use of Civilian Forces, Cites Historical Precedent
In a strongly-worded statement released by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG clarified that the involvement of civilian forces to support military operations is a long-standing tactic in Nigeria's security playbook. The group emphasized that this practice is not new.
The strategy dates back to the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and was formally institutionalized under the late President Muhammadu Buhari with the creation of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno State to fight Boko Haram.
"These civilian outfits have proven invaluable," Charanchi stated. "They are made up of local people who have a deep, intimate knowledge of their own communities and the difficult terrain where these conflicts happen. Their role has been crucial in taking back territories and bringing back some peace to areas destroyed by violence."
Warning Against Politically-Motivated Sensationalism
The CNG accused certain media outlets, which it said are predominantly based in southern Nigeria, of engaging in sensationalist reporting driven by political interests. The group warned that this trend is dangerous and risks making an already fragile national security situation worse.
"In recent weeks, we have seen a troubling pattern where unscrupulous politicians use some media platforms for sensational reporting," the statement read. "This reporting does not just exaggerate the truth on the ground but also ignores the complex realities of the security situation. Instead of helping people understand, these narratives stir up discontent and worsen the divisions among Nigerians."
The CNG expressed disappointment with what it perceives as a clear anti-government bias in a large section of the media. While acknowledging the media's right to criticize the government, the group insisted that such criticism must be based on accurate facts and ethical journalism.
Call for Media Responsibility and Government Action
The coalition issued a direct appeal to media owners and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). It urged them to enforce stronger self-regulation and ensure strict adherence to ethical standards, especially in security reporting.
"Reporting on security matters must be done with extreme care and consideration, understanding that sensational stories can have serious consequences for our society," Charanchi added. "The clear bias shown by some media houses whenever news involves the Office of the National Security Adviser is regrettable. This not only damages the media's own credibility but is also a major threat to our nation's unity and stability."
The CNG called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be alert and vigilant against politically motivated schemes that could weaken coordination within the country's security architecture. It advised the President to learn from previous administrations where rivalry between different security agencies hurt the fight against insecurity.
The group concluded by urging the media to prioritize integrity and accuracy over the pursuit of higher ratings or readership, stressing that national safety and cohesion must not be sacrificed. "Let us work for a media environment that informs instead of inflames, and that educates instead of divides," the CNG stated.
