By Dauda R. Pam, Maiduguri
Theater Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, (OPLD), Major General Faruk Yahaya, has appealed to the media not to relent in its efforts, but to continue to support the on-going counter insurgency operations to rout out Boko Haram terrorists out of the country.
He made the appeal during a luncheon organised in honour of the troops’ sacrifices and the role of the media community in counter insurgency operations held in Maiduguri.
The theatre Commander used the occasion to express his deep appreciation to the media for their efforts and sacrifices in giving operational coverage, while describing journalists as critical stakeholders in the fight against terrorism.
“The military operation requires the media which informed the event in order to interact and synergize with each other. As stakeholders in our field, the media has credibly enhanced military operations effectively”, he said
Maj-Gen.Faruk Yahaya also charged media practitioners to be objective and factual in the discharge of their social responsibility to the society,as this would however go a long way in building and trust and confidence between the military and media.
Describing them as dependable and reliable partners in the fight against insurgency in the North east.
“Media should make effort to deny the criminals what they need most, which is publicity. In fact, I am impressed with our gathering and interaction with senior officers of the theater command.
“This is an opportunity for us to understand ourselves and synergize on how we can continue to work together effectively and smoothly no matter our respective challenges. I know we have challenges and you also have challenges. Everybody have challenges,” Yahaya said.
The luncheon attracted a cross section of the media in Borno State such as members of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, SWAN and online media practitioners among others.
And hinted that similar interactive sessions would be held every quarter of the year to consolidate on the established cordial and peaceful working relationship between the media and the military in the North-East.
