By Danjuma Lamido
It is becoming increasingly alarming that Sahara Reporters has made it a pastime to recklessly publish confidential wireless messages of the Nigeria Police Force. This irresponsible act not only undermines the sanctity of official communication within our security architecture but also threatens the safety of officers and the stability of our country.
Confidential wireless messages are strictly meant for internal communication within the Police Force. They contain sensitive operational details, deployment strategies, and intelligence that must remain secure in order to ensure effective law enforcement and the protection of lives and property.
By deliberately exposing such documents to the public, Sahara Reporters is compromising national security and giving undue advantage to criminal elements who are constantly seeking loopholes to exploit.
It is important to remind Sahara Reporters and its sponsors that no democracy allows absolute freedom without responsibility. Freedom of the press does not mean freedom to endanger lives or to aid criminals by exposing confidential government documents.
In fact, Section 37 of the Criminal Code and relevant provisions of the Cybercrime Act criminalize the unauthorized disclosure and publication of classified information. Therefore, Sahara Reporters’ actions amount to a violation of the law and must attract legal consequences.
For far too long, Sahara Reporters has hidden under the guise of “investigative journalism” to blackmail institutions, malign public officers, and publish unverified or sensitive information. This latest trend of exposing internal police communications crosses the red line and should not be tolerated any further.
Government cannot continue to fold its arms while an online platform jeopardizes national security in the name of press freedom.
It is time for decisive action. The Federal Government must hold Sahara Reporters accountable for these reckless publications. The appropriate regulatory and security agencies must immediately investigate and prosecute this violation of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
Journalism must be practiced responsibly, and those who deliberately abuse the privilege of the pen should be made to face the consequences of their actions.
Nigeria is facing enormous security challenges, from terrorism and kidnapping to cybercrime and banditry. In times like these, every stakeholder must act responsibly. The police and other security agencies need the cooperation of the media, not sabotage through the careless exposure of operational strategies. Sahara Reporters must therefore be called to order before their recklessness plunges the nation into deeper security crises.
Press freedom is vital in any democracy, but it is not a license for criminality. Publishing confidential police messages is a direct assault on Nigeria’s security, and it must be stopped—decisively and immediately.
Danjuma Lamido is the spokesperson of the Integrity Youth Alliance and writes from Yola. Adamawa State. Email: danjumalamido2011@gmail.com
