The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed deep concern over the persistent security challenges facing the FCT and other parts of the country, calling on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure.
The concerns were raised during the council’s congress held in Abuja on Saturday, where more than 500 journalists gathered to deliberate on pressing national issues affecting security, governance, and development.
In a communiqué signed by Comrade Monica Danbauchi, Comrade Raphael Towoju and Comrade Ediri Oyibo on behalf of the congress, the journalists urged security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations against criminal elements responsible for kidnappings, abductions, attacks on communities and other forms of insecurity across the country.
The congress emphasized that safeguarding citizens and protecting lives and property should remain a top priority for governments at all levels, noting that sustained efforts were required to restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
The journalists also underscored the role of the media in promoting accountability and informing the public, urging practitioners to continue reporting security developments accurately, objectively and responsibly.
According to the communiqué, while journalists must hold public institutions accountable, they should also uphold professional ethics and avoid sensational reporting capable of undermining public trust.
The congress further highlighted the increasing security risks faced by media practitioners in the course of their duties. Members were advised to remain vigilant, prioritize personal safety and family welfare, and adopt necessary precautions while carrying out professional assignments.
A key issue raised during the deliberations was the need for greater transparency in official security communications. The journalists called on security agencies to ensure that information released to the public accurately reflects realities on the ground, particularly on incidents involving kidnappings and other security breaches.
They argued that honest and timely communication is essential for building trust and encouraging cooperation between citizens and security institutions.
On the safety of educational institutions, the congress described school security as a matter of national importance and urged federal and state governments to fully implement the Safe School Initiative.
Members stressed that resources allocated to the programme must be effectively utilized to prevent attacks on schools and the abduction of students, adding that many incidents could be avoided through proper implementation of existing security policies.
To strengthen protection around schools, the congress advocated the provision of perimeter fencing, deployment of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other measures aimed at safeguarding students, teachers and educational facilities nationwide.
Beyond security matters, the journalists expressed concern over persistent water supply challenges affecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory. They called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to urgently address the situation and ease the hardship being experienced by residents.
The congress also urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to deepen engagement with media professionals and strengthen collaboration on issues relating to security reporting and public information management.
According to the journalists, enhanced cooperation between government and the media would improve public understanding of government policies and facilitate effective dissemination of information.
As part of efforts to improve coverage of security issues, the congress called on the National Secretariat of the NUJ to organize regular workshops, seminars and conferences on national security reporting to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills required to report security matters professionally and safely.
The congress concluded by reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, public-interest journalism, peace-building and national development, while pledging to continue advocating policies and actions that promote the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
