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 ongoing counter-terrorism operations and efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-West region.

Idris made the call during a Media Parley he hosted for media practitioners at the Theatre Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The event, the first of its kind at the Theatre, brought together media practitioners from across Zamfara State and provided a platform for interaction, exchange of perspectives and the strengthening of military-media relations.

In his remarks, Idris described the media as a critical partner in the fight against terrorism, noting that while troops continue to make significant sacrifices through sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, military efforts must be complemented by responsible media engagement.

He said the media occupies a strategic position in shaping public understanding of the security situation, strengthening national resilience and building public confidence in efforts to restore peace and stability in affected communities.

The Theatre Commander 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 capabilities.

He therefore urged journalists to exercise greater care in framing and presenting terrorism-related reports, particularly by avoiding headlines and reports that could inadvertently glorify terrorists, romanticise their activities or give them the publicity and psychological advantage they seek.

He also encouraged journalists to verify sensitive security information through appropriate channels and report operational developments accurately, responsibly and within the proper context.

Chairman of the 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.

Maizare said such engagements would strengthen military-media relations and enable journalists to appreciate the military’s efforts to restore peace and security. He pledged, on behalf of the NUJ Zamfara State Council, the support and cooperation of media practitioners across the state in the military’s 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 offered the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation since the inception of the operation.