Security, truth top agenda as DSS, Nasarawa NUJ forge new partnership

 

Timescope News 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has pledged to partner with the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to curb the spread of fake news and support efforts to address insecurity in the state.

Hassan Abdullahi, Director of the service in Nasarawa State, stated this on Thursday in Lafia while hosting the NUJ leadership led by its Chairman, Salihu Mohamed-Alkali, on a familiarisation visit.

The director emphasised that both journalists and DSS officers perform similar roles. He explained that while journalists report societal ills to the public, the DSS reports to authorities with a view to tackling wrongs and improving the system for the benefit of all.

Abdullahi noted that accurate information and responsible reporting are critical tools in maintaining peace and public order – the core responsibility of the service. He added that misinformation and unverified reports on social media often fuel tension and undermine security operations.

He urged the union's leadership to ensure that none of its members publishes unverified information, in line with the ethics of their profession.

“The DSS recognises the media as a strategic partner in national security, and we want to work closely with journalists to ensure that information reaching the public is verified, factual, and does not compromise ongoing security efforts,” he said.

He also assured that DSS officers would not interfere with the duties and responsibilities of journalists in the field.

Earlier, Mohamed-Alkali, the NUJ chairman, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship to ensure that journalists carry out their duties without fear of intimidation.

He explained that journalists in the state have never had friction with DSS officers since the start of his leadership in 2020. He added that the union is committed to upholding professional ethics and would educate members against sensational or false reporting.

He said journalists in the state are ready to collaborate with security agencies to promote stability and counter disinformation.

“The union stands for responsible journalism. We will continue to educate our members on the need to verify facts before publication and to avoid content that can incite panic or violence,” Mohamed-Alkali stated. (NAN)