Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday declared that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is confronting Nigeria’s worsening insecurity with utmost seriousness, insisting that the fight against terrorism and banditry is not being politicised.

Speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of “My Life and Journalists Hangout,” authored by TVC Director of News, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, the Vice President reassured Nigerians that the government is taking decisive and uncompromising steps to safeguard lives and property.

“The issue of security is receiving the toughest attention from President Bola Tinubu. We are not playing politics with it,” Shettima said.

According to him, “We are deeply concerned and worried because the primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property. The President is leaving no stone unturned.”

The high-profile event drew an array of political heavyweights, including Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), underscoring its national significance.

Responding to calls by Kolade-Otitoju for stronger action against insecurity, Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s resolve, while also revisiting a controversial moment from the 2023 election campaign. He dismissed allegations that he had fraternised with terrorists, describing the claim as a deliberate falsehood.

According to him, the viral image in question was taken during a humanitarian education initiative in Borno State, where displaced families,many affected by Boko Haram,were being encouraged to enrol their children in school.

“We built mega schools across Maiduguri and engaged displaced communities to rebuild trust. Those labelled as terrorists were actually parents of students. Today, some of their children are studying medicine and nursing,” he explained.

He added that sustained investments in education and welfare, including monthly funding for vulnerable groups, have helped transform lives and counter extremism in the region.

Shettima used the occasion to underscore the vital role of the media in strengthening democracy, praising the author as “a living template of courage and integrity.”

“A democracy depends on a strong media culture. The media is not a theatre of noise; it is a republic of conscience,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, called for increased support for the armed forces, urging both the government and media to act responsibly in the fight against insecurity.

He commended journalists for balanced reporting but cautioned against coverage that could inadvertently embolden criminal elements.

“The public deserves the truth from all sides. But reporting must be strategic,one that does not glorify criminals or make citizens more vulnerable,” he noted.

In his remarks, Kolade-Otitoju challenged the government to intensify its security efforts, including exploring international collaborations to decisively tackle banditry and terrorism.

“I believe in this government and I am confident that solutions will come sooner than we expect. But we must act decisively and explore every available option,” he said.

The event not only celebrated a career in journalism but also sparked renewed national conversation on security, media responsibility, and the path to lasting peace in Nigeria.