Theatre Commander Urges Stronger Military-Media Collaboration

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General WB 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 across the North West.

Major General Idris made the call on Wednesday while hosting media practitioners from across Zamfara State at a Media Parley held at the Theatre Headquarters in Gusau.

The engagement, the first of its kind in the Theatre, provided an opportunity for the military and journalists to exchange perspectives, discuss security reporting and strengthen their relationship in the fight against terrorism.

The Theatre Commander described the media as a critical partner in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, stressing that the sacrifices and efforts of troops through kinetic and non-kinetic operations must be complemented by responsible media reporting.

He noted that the media plays a strategic role in shaping public perception of the security situation, strengthening national resilience and building confidence in military efforts to restore peace in affected communities.

According to him, terrorists also seek to exploit the information space by spreading fear, attracting publicity and exaggerating their capabilities. He therefore urged journalists to exercise caution in reporting terrorism-related incidents, particularly in the framing of headlines and presentation of information.

Major General Idris advised journalists against reports that could inadvertently glorify terrorists, romanticise their activities or provide them with the publicity and psychological advantage they seek.

He also urged media practitioners to verify sensitive security information through appropriate channels and ensure that operational developments are reported accurately, responsibly and 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 initiating the parley, describing it as the first of its kind in the history of military operations in the state.

Maizare said the engagement would enhance understanding between the military and the media while enabling journalists to better appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of security personnel working to restore peace across the state.

He pledged the continued support and cooperation of journalists in Zamfara State to the military in its efforts to tackle insecurity and achieve lasting peace.

The parley also featured an interactive session where journalists engaged the Theatre Commander on security, information management and military-media relations.

Participants further visited 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.

Benita Ibrahim