The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has ordered radio and television stations to exercise caution in their reportage of the activities of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers.
In a letter dated on behalf of the new Director-General of the Commission, Balarabe Ilelah, and dated July 7, 2021, the NBC noted that while bringing information on security to the doorsteps of Nigerians was a necessity, there was need for caution as too many details may have an adverse implication on the efforts of security officials dealing with the insurgency in the country.
The Director thus, directed that media houses collaborate with the federal government in dealing with the security challenges by not glamorising the nefarious activities of insurgents, terrorists, kidnappers and bandits;
advising guests and analysts on programmes not to polarise the citizenry with divisive rhetoric, in driving home their point; including, not giving details of either the security issues or victims of these security challenges so as not to jeopardise the efforts of the Nigerian soldiers and other security agents.
The Commission also mentioned the broadcast stations to be guided by provisions of Sections 5.4.1(f) and 5.4.3 of the NBC Code which states notes that the broadcaster should not transmit divisive materials that may threaten or compromise the divisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state, and in reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster should perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.
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