The outgoing Theatre Commander, North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has commended the Zagazola Media Network and other media organisations for their courage, professionalism and objective coverage of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
Abubakar made the commendation on Tuesday in Maiduguri during a farewell engagement with stakeholders as he formally handed over the command of Operation HADIN KAI to the incoming Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose.
The outgoing commander specifically acknowledged the media’s consistent presence in the theatre of operations, including difficult and remote frontline locations, where journalists have continued to document the realities of the conflict and the efforts of troops, humanitarian actors and affected communities.
“To the gentlemen of the press, I thank you for your consistent presence in this Theatre and for helping the public appreciate both the cost and progress of this campaign,” Abubakar said.
He singled out journalists who had travelled to challenging operational areas, including Kareto and Ngoshe, to document developments and bring the experiences of troops, communities and other stakeholders to the wider public.
“You reported from the most difficult locations, including Kareto, Ngoshe and other remote areas, bringing to light the stories of our troops, our partners and the communities we serve, and holding us to account where it mattered,” he said.
Abubakar also recognised the contribution of specialised security-focused media organisations, particularly the Zagazola Media Network, to public understanding of developments in the North-East.
He said the media had maintained what he described as fair, objective and unbiased reportage, noting that balanced coverage had helped enlighten the public and counter the spread of false information and terrorist propaganda.
“You have maintained fair, objective and unbiased reportage. Your balanced reporting has enlightened the populace, thereby discrediting fake news and terrorist propaganda,” the commander said.
He stressed that credible journalism remained important in an operational environment where misinformation, disinformation and propaganda could distort public perception, undermine confidence and create confusion around security operations.