From Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, in Gusau
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General WB Idris, has called for sustained military-media collaboration to enhance ongoing counter-terrorism operations and efforts towards restoring lasting peace and security in Zamfara State and across the North West region.
The Theatre Commander made the call when he hosted members of the media to a parley at the Theatre Headquarters in Gusau Zamfara State capital.
The event, which was the first of its kind in the Theatre, drew a large number of media practitioners across the state and provided a relaxed and conducive platform for interaction, exchange of perspectives and strengthening of military-media relations.
In his remarks, Major General Idris described the media as a critical partner in the fight against terrorism, noting that while troops continue to make enormous sacrifices through sustained kinetic and non-kinetic efforts, military action must be complemented by the media.
He said that the media occupies a strategic position in shaping public understanding of the security situation, strengthening national resilience and building public confidence in ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across affected communities.
The Theatre Commander further noted that terrorists seek not only to inflict physical harm but also to exploit the information space to spread fear, attract publicity and exaggerate their strength.
He therefore urged journalists to exercise greater consciousness in the framing and presentation of terrorism-related reports to ensure that headlines and reports do not inadvertently glorify terrorists, romanticise their activities or provide them with the publicity and psychological advantage they seek.
The Commander also encouraged journalists to verify sensitive security information through appropriate channels and report operational developments accurately, responsibly and in proper context.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zamfara State Council, Ibrahim Musa Maizare, thanked the Theatre Commander for organising the parley, describing it as the first of its kind in the history of military operations in the state..
Comrade Maizare noted that such engagements would greatly enhance military-media relations and enable journalists to better appreciate the efforts of the military towards restoring peace and security. On behalf of the NUJ Zamfara State Council, he pledged the unwavering support and cooperation of media practitioners across the state to the military in its efforts to restore lasting peace.
The Media Parley featured an interactive session during which participants exchanged views with the Theatre Commander on security, information management and military-media relations.
Other highlights included a visit to the Theatre’s Wall of Heroes, a memorial bearing the names of personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation from the inception of the Operation to date.
