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 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, August 19, 2026, when he hosted media practitioners from Zamfara State to a Media Parley at the Theatre Headquarters in Gusau.
The parley, the first of its kind since the commencement of military operations in the state, provided a platform for interaction, exchange of perspectives and efforts to deepen military-media relations.
The Theatre Commander described the media as a critical partner in the fight against terrorism, stressing that the sacrifices and sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations of troops must be complemented by responsible media reporting.
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 inflict physical harm but also to exploit the information space to spread fear, attract publicity and exaggerate their capabilities.
He therefore urged journalists to exercise greater caution in framing and reporting terrorism-related issues, particularly by avoiding headlines and reports that could inadvertently glorify terrorists, romanticise their activities or give them the publicity and psychological advantage they seek.
Major General Idris also encouraged journalists to verify sensitive security information through appropriate channels and ensure that operational developments are reported accurately, responsibly and within the proper context.
Speaking on behalf of journalists, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zamfara State Council, Ibrahim Musa Maizare, commended the Theatre Commander for organising the engagement, describing it as a landmark initiative in the history of military operations in the state.
Maizare said the engagement would enhance mutual understanding between the military and the media while enabling journalists to better appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of security personnel in restoring peace.
He pledged the continued support and cooperation of media practitioners in Zamfara State to the military in its efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the region.
The Media Parley also featured an interactive session where participants exchanged views with the Theatre Commander on security, information management and military-media relations.
A major highlight of the event was 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.
The engagement underscored the importance of stronger cooperation between the military and the media in countering terrorism, sustaining public confidence and promoting peace across the North West.
