NUJ, Nigerian Army Strengthen Collaboration To Tackle Insecurity In Kaduna, Northwest

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, and the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division have pledged to strengthen collaboration to address security challenges and sustain peace in Kaduna State and the Northwest.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, to the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ.

Abdullahi said the visit was aimed at strengthening relations between the military and the media, describing journalists as critical partners in promoting peace, security and public awareness.

He explained that although his area of responsibility covered Kaduna, Katsina, Kano and Jigawa states, Kaduna remained his host state, making a strong working relationship with the union necessary.

He noted that the media played a vital role during both conflict and peacetime, particularly in communicating the achievements of security agencies and educating citizens on their responsibilities in maintaining peace.

“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.

The Army spokesman stressed that security was a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of the military, police, journalists and the general public.

He urged NUJ members to work closely with the Army and other security agencies to promote stability across the region.

Abdullahi expressed optimism that his previous experience working with journalists would help deepen existing relationships and improve communication between the military and the public.

In his response, the Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna State Council, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, welcomed the Army spokesman and congratulated him on his promotion to the rank of Colonel and his posting to 1 Division.

Alabelewe described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding relationship between journalists and military public relations officers, noting that both parties had important roles to play in promoting peace and development.

He said 1 Division remained a strategic security formation for Kaduna State and the wider Northwest region.

The NUJ chairman commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their contributions to the relative peace in Kaduna State and assured the military of the council’s commitment to sustained cooperation.

He added that journalists were willing to support efforts to improve security, stressing that peace was essential for effective journalism and the overall development of society.

However, Alabelewe 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 parts of the Yakowa Road area.

He observed that some residents found it difficult to share security-related information directly with security agencies, underscoring the importance of responsible communication and cooperation with journalists.

“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.

Alabelewe reaffirmed the council’s readiness to deepen its partnership with the military and other security agencies, adding that the NUJ would encourage its members to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability across Kaduna State and the Northwest.