The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Thursday said Nigeria’s security challenges could not be addressed through military action alone, but required closer collaboration among the armed forces, security agencies, government at all levels, communities, the media and the general public.

The minister stated this when the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.), paid a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja.

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

The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening coordination among security agencies, government institutions, communities and citizens to promote peace, security and national development.

Idris welcomed the visit, describing the engagement as an important opportunity to deepen understanding of the mandate of the newly established Office of the Special Adviser to the president on Homeland Security and strengthen collaboration in communicating security policies and initiatives to Nigerians.

“Peace and security are essential elements; in fact, they are the building blocks of any development that can happen anywhere,” the minister said.

The minister highlighted the grassroots reach of the National Orientation Agency and other agencies under the ministry, noting their important role in strengthening community resilience, promoting responsible citizenship and ensuring that citizens receive accurate and timely information.

He also identified fake news, misinformation and disinformation as emerging national security challenges, stressing the need for responsible communication and greater media and information literacy.

In his remarks, Famadewa said the visit was aimed at building a strong working relationship with the ministry, describing information and public education as critical components of modern homeland security.