The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has identified foreign influx, malnutrition and drug abuse as emerging social vulnerabilities posing significant security challenges to the country.
Yahya made the observation while addressing participants on the second day of the NUJ National Security Summit in Abuja, where media and security stakeholders examined evolving threats and the role of strategic communication in strengthening national resilience.
He stressed the need for coordinated national responses to address the growing challenges, noting that “insecurity in the Sahel region has created threats that extend beyond armed violence.”
According to him, “the situation has contributed to the movement of illicit materials, social disruption and other pressures capable of undermining national stability.”
The NUJ President called for greater collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, the media and other stakeholders to tackle emerging threats and safeguard national security.
He argued that contemporary security challenges must be understood through a wider lens that considers social conditions, economic pressures and community vulnerabilities that can create openings for criminal and extremist networks.
Yahya identified malnutrition as a long-term security concern, warning that “vulnerable young populations could become exposed to exploitation by groups seeking to recruit or influence them.”
He similarly described drug abuse as a growing challenge requiring urgent intervention through collaboration between government institutions, communities and professional organisations.
According to the NUJ leadership, “preventing insecurity requires attention not only to immediate threats but also to the conditions that allow instability to take root.”
The NUJ President stressed the importance of strengthening media institutions, particularly at the state level, to enable journalists to effectively inform citizens and support public awareness on security issues.
He maintained that credible journalism remains a key tool in shaping public understanding, countering misinformation and improving cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
Collaboration
Yahya called for stronger collaboration between the media and security stakeholders, urging participants at the summit to develop a platform capable of contributing to a shift in Nigeria’s security narrative.
He also advocated improved funding for security operations, noting that adequate resources and timely financial support remain essential for effective responses.
The NUJ leadership disclosed that the conversation would extend beyond Abuja, with plans to replicate similar engagements across the six geopolitical zones.
The summit reinforced a growing recognition that national security is no longer defined only by military operations, but also by the strength of institutions, social stability and public trust.
As Nigeria confronts complex security pressures, the media’s role is increasingly moving from reporting crises to contributing to early warning, awareness and national dialogue.
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