The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris, has urged closer collaboration between the military and the media to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria’s North West region.
The call was made on Wednesday during a Media Parley held at the Theatre Headquarters in Gusau — the first event of its kind organised by the Theatre. The gathering brought together a large turnout of media practitioners from across Zamfara State for what organisers described as a relaxed and open exchange between troops and journalists.
Addressing participants, Major General Idris described the media as a critical partner in the fight against terrorism. According to him, while troops continue to make significant sacrifices through both combat and non-combat operations, military action alone is not enough — it must be reinforced by responsible media coverage. He said the press occupies a strategic position in shaping public understanding of the security situation, building resilience among communities, and strengthening public confidence in the campaign to restore peace across affected areas.
The Theatre Commander also warned that terrorist groups seek more than physical harm — they aim to exploit media coverage to spread fear, attract attention and exaggerate their capabilities. He called on journalists to be more deliberate in how they frame and present terrorism-related stories, cautioning against headlines or reports that could inadvertently glamorise terrorists or hand them the publicity and psychological edge they seek. He further urged reporters to verify sensitive security information through proper channels before publication, and to ensure operational developments are reported accurately, responsibly and in context.
Speaking on behalf of the media, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zamfara State Council, Ibrahim Musa Maizare, commended the Theatre Commander for convening the parley, calling it a historic first for military-media engagement in the state. He said such interactions would deepen mutual understanding and help journalists better appreciate the military’s efforts to restore security. Maizare pledged the continued cooperation and support of journalists across Zamfara in the campaign for lasting peace.
The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session covering security, information management and military-media relations, followed by a visit to the Theatre’s Wall of Heroes — a memorial honouring personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA who have died in service since the operation began.
