Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, and the Nigerian Army’s One Division have pledged to strengthen collaboration in tackling insecurity and consolidating peace in Kaduna State and the Northwest.
The commitment was made when the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, One Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ Kaduna State Council as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the military and the media.
Abdullahi, who recently assumed duty in the division, said the visit was aimed at building a stronger working relationship with journalists, whom he described as strategic partners in promoting peace, security and public awareness.
He explained that his area of responsibility covered Kaduna, Katsina, Kano and Jigawa states, adding that Kaduna, as his host state, required a cordial and effective relationship with the media.
The Army spokesman said the media played a crucial role in both wartime and peacetime, particularly in informing the public about the activities of security agencies and sustaining the gains recorded in the fight against insecurity.
“The importance of the media is very critical in both war and peacetime. Now that we are in a period of relative peace, the media is very important because it is the media that consolidates the gains achieved by other sectors,” he said.
He stressed that security was a collective responsibility that required the cooperation of the military, police, media and members of the public.
Abdullahi, therefore, urged journalists to work closely with the Army and other security agencies to promote peace, stability and development across the region.
He expressed optimism that his experience in military-media relations would help strengthen existing ties and improve communication between the Army and the public.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, congratulated Abdullahi on his promotion to the rank of Colonel and his posting to One Division.
Alabelewe described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding relationship between journalists and military public relations officers, noting that both institutions had complementary roles in promoting peace and development.
He said One Division remained a critical security formation for Kaduna State and the wider Northwest, commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their contributions to the relative peace being experienced in the state.
The NUJ chairman assured the military of the council’s readiness to sustain cooperation, adding that journalists were committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving security.
He, however, drew attention to persistent security concerns in parts of Southern Kaduna and reported cases of kidnapping around the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, particularly Millennium City and areas along Yakowa Road.
Alabelewe expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between journalists and security agencies would help address the challenges, noting that journalists maintained close contact with residents and communities at the grassroots.
According to him, some residents were often reluctant to share security-related information directly with security agencies, making responsible communication and cooperation with journalists important in addressing the situation.
“We want to assure you that whenever we go into the field and have information of security interest, we will always pass such information through you to the Division. We believe that, with this, we will be able to achieve the desired results,” he said.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening ties with the military and other security agencies, promising to encourage members to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.
The NUJ chairman also wished Abdullahi success in his new assignment, expressing confidence that improved cooperation between the Army and the media would benefit Kaduna State and the Northwest.
