By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar (Katsina Times)

The Federal Government has called for stronger coordination among security agencies, government institutions, communities and citizens to address Nigeria’s security challenges and support national development.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday in Abuja when the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd.), paid a courtesy visit to the ministry.

Mr Idris said security challenges could not be resolved through military action alone, stressing the need for cooperation between security agencies, government at all levels, communities, the media and the public.

“You cannot shoot yourself out of this problem. Security requires collaboration between the security agencies, the armed forces and the general public,” he said.

The minister also identified fake news, misinformation and disinformation as emerging national security threats, urging responsible communication and improved media literacy.

He highlighted the role of the National Orientation Agency and other agencies under the ministry in strengthening community resilience, promoting responsible citizenship and providing citizens with accurate and timely information.

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Major-General Famadewa said his visit was aimed at establishing a strong working relationship with the ministry, noting that information and public education were critical components of modern homeland security.

He said the newly established Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security would focus on unified intelligence and surveillance, stronger border security, improved identification of security threats, and effective crisis reporting and response.

“Information is key in asymmetric warfare. The first person to speak wins, and we cannot sit back and allow others to shape perception for us,” Famadewa said.

Mr Idris assured the Special Adviser of the ministry’s cooperation, saying stronger coordination, effective communication and citizen participation would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.