Defence HQ Seeks Media Collaboration to Combat Insecurity in Northwest

By Umar Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - September 27, 2025 (Series News Online)

In a bid to fortify the fight against insecurity in the Northwest region, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau, has approached the Kebbi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for a strategic partnership.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit to the Kebbi State Council of NUJ secretariat on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, where he interacted with working journalists in the state. The outreach is part of a broader initiative by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, aimed at engaging key stakeholders in the region to leverage their support in the battle against terrorism and other security challenges.

General Gusau underscored the critical role of the media in disseminating vital information to the grassroots, particularly through radio, which he noted is a potent tool for mass mobilization. "The media can help amplify our messages and activities, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of our operations," he stated.

The Defence Headquarters official emphasized that combating insecurity requires a collective effort, with security agencies and the public working in tandem. While security agencies contribute 30% of the effort, the remaining 70% relies on the active participation of the citizenry. "We need the public to share credible intelligence and report suspicious activities to help us nip security threats in the bud," General Gusau said.

He expressed dismay over the prevalence of informants and community members allegedly supporting bandits in the Northwest states, describing it as a significant challenge that must be addressed. "This is a critical issue that requires the collective effort of community leaders and members to combat," he added.

General Gusau also highlighted the link between unemployment, poverty, and insecurity, noting that many youths are lured into banditry and kidnapping due to economic desperation. He urged community leaders, parents, and guardians to discourage any form of criminality that threatens national security.

To enhance the capacity of journalists to report on security matters effectively, the Defence Headquarters plans to collaborate with the NUJ to organize a training workshop for journalists in the Northwest states. "We aim to equip the journalists with the skills to report on security issues without compromising national security," General Gusau said.