FG denies dismissing Zulum’s security concerns, warns against sensational reporting

The Federal Government has refuted claims that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed recent security concerns raised by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister’s office described the headline of an online publication—which claimed Idris said “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno”—as false, misleading, and a gross distortion of the Minister’s remarks.

“The headline is not only sensational but also a deliberate act of misinformation aimed at stoking public misunderstanding and distracting from the serious work being done to address security challenges,” the statement read.

The Minister clarified that in his response to media inquiries regarding Governor Zulum’s comments, he acknowledged that while significant progress has been made in restoring peace across parts of the country, some areas, including parts of Borno, still face challenges.

Idris reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry, highlighting ongoing military operations, investments in security infrastructure, and intelligence efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He also called for continued collaboration between the Federal Government and state authorities to restore lasting peace in affected communities.

The statement concluded with an appeal to media organizations to uphold responsible journalism and avoid sensationalism, stressing that rebuilding peace and national security is a shared responsibility.