BY FAIZA JIBRIN, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 | 11:37 AM
The Borno State media has been acknowledged as a crucial partner in the fight against insecurity, with calls for deeper collaboration between journalists and the military to combat misinformation and promote sustainable peace.
A high-level seminar held on Wednesday at Maimalari Barrack, Maiduguri, brought together stakeholders from the military, government, and media to chart a new course for effective communication and mutual trust.
The Director of Defense Media Operations, Major General Marcus, emphasized the need for synergy between the media and military in addressing threats to national security posed by fake news and restricted access to verified information.
'At times, misinformation, sensationalism, and a lack of access to verified information have hampered our military operations and endangered national security,' Maj. Gen. Marcus said.
The seminar highlighted the importance of training journalists in conflict-sensitive reporting and educating military personnel on media relations and press freedom.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum commended the organizers and emphasized the following steps to build trust and promote sustainable peace.
'We must work together to bridge gaps and build trust between the government, security agencies, and the public,' he said.
The Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Borno State Chapter, Abdulkareem Haruna, stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without cooperation between the media and military.
He noted that over the years, the relationship between the media and military has improved significantly.
'Those days, we are all operating at a point where we don't have trust for each other, we don't believe in what they are doing because they don't believe in what we are reporting.
'But over time, as they continue to develop and strengthen the system for military media relations, you see that we are now on the same page,' he said.
He called for greater recognition of journalists who have risked their lives reporting on Boko Haram since 2011.
'In any establishment, in any working environment, when there's reward for hard work, it inspires people to do more,' Haruna said, emphasizing the need for tangible incentives to encourage journalists in their critical work.
The seminar concluded with an agreement to foster mutual understanding and establish a new partnership for effective communication and information sharing.
Stakeholders resolved to work together to promote credible information and combat misinformation, ultimately contributing to sustainable peace in the region.