From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has called for sustained collaboration between the military and the media to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and support efforts to restore lasting peace and security in Zamfara State and the North-West region.
Idris made the call when he hosted journalists and other media practitioners at a Media Parley held at the Theatre Headquarters in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
The engagement, described as the first of its kind at the Theatre Headquarters, brought together a large number of journalists from across the state for discussions on security reporting, information management and ways to strengthen military-media relations.
The Theatre Commander described the media as a critical partner in the fight against terrorism, noting that the sacrifices being made by troops through sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations must be complemented by responsible journalism.
He said 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 in affected communities.
According to him, terrorists seek not only to cause physical harm but also to manipulate the information environment by spreading fear, attracting publicity and exaggerating their capabilities.
He therefore urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting terrorism and other sensitive security matters, particularly in the choice of headlines and presentation of reports.
Idris advised media practitioners to avoid reports that could inadvertently glorify terrorists, romanticise their activities or give them the publicity and psychological advantage they seek.
He also urged journalists to verify sensitive security information through appropriate channels and ensure that reports of military operations and other security developments are accurate, balanced and presented within the proper context.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zamfara State Council, Ibrahim Musa Maizare, commended the Theatre Commander for organising the Media Parley.
Maizare described the initiative as a significant milestone in military-media relations in the state, saying regular engagements of the nature would enable journalists to gain a better understanding of military operations and the challenges confronting security personnel.
He pledged the support and cooperation of journalists in Zamfara State towards efforts by the military and other security agencies to restore lasting peace and security across the state.
The Media Parley also featured an interactive session during which journalists exchanged views with the Theatre Commander on security challenges, information management and the need for stronger cooperation between the military and the media.
A major highlight of the event was a visit by the journalists to the Theatre’s Wall of Heroes, a memorial bearing the names of personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation since the commencement of the operation.
The engagement ended with renewed calls for closer cooperation between the military and media organisations in promoting accurate information, public confidence and collective efforts towards lasting peace in Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
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