Security agencies, media urged to adopt new strategy over insecurity

Media organisations and security agencies have been urged to work harmoniously to tackle the prevailing insecurity challenges in Nigeria, particularly across the north.

This call was contained in a communique adopted at the end of a one-day Workshop on Digital Journalism and National Security: The Role of Influencers in the fight against crime in Kano.

The workshop organised by PRNigeria Centre was to acquaint participants on the role of media in tackling security challenges and to officially unveil Arewa Agenda, a media advocacy platform for peaceful coexistence and national development.

With participants from security agencies, media organisations, youth groups, social media influencers and academics, the workshop emphasised on the need for strategic communication in addressing incessant killings and crimes for a better peaceful society.

“The prevailing insecurity in Nigeria and especially in the north is alarming, worrisome and calls for strategic and proactive measures. A kinetic approach is mostly being deployed to tackle insecurity and there seemed to be inter-agency rivalry among government organs, especially security services in handling the situation.

“There is lack of mutual relationship between spokespersons and the media. Some spokespersons are yet to recognise the value of social media engagement in responding to security situations,” the communique observed.

Papers presented at the event are; New Media and the Agenda Setting Theory; A Case for Security Consciousness by Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, Managing Editor of Arewa Agenda; and ‘Strategic Communication for Crisis Management’ by Mallam Yushau Shuaib – Founder, IMPR.

The communique further recommends improved media relations/synergy with members of the fourth estate of the realm in ensuring adequate, timely, and responsive information delivery.