NEWS
NUJ President Canvasses More Protection for Journalists
Mr Christopher Iziguzo, President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Thursday, appealed to the Nigeria Police to protect Journalists as they carry out their legitimate duties across the country.
Iziguzo, in a remark at a Forum for the Adoption of Framework on Police Media-Relationship and Safety of Journalists in Abuja, said that the safety of journalists was crucial to national growth in view of their role as watchdogs of the society.
The event was put together by NUJ in collaboration with Media Foundation for West Africa and other partners.
Iziguzo said that Nigeria should not toy with its newsmen because they were the light, conscience and watchdog of the society.
He emphasised the need for journalists and Police to work together, and regretted that the role of the newsmen as the oxygen of democracy was under severe threat.
“The Police and journalists should be partners in progress; we journalists don’t have guns; we are not criminals or terrorists.
“I call on the Police to protect journalists; they should see us as partners in progress for positive change. I want to call on you to accept us as friends and partners.
“When you see us out there, accept us as friends of the state and nation builders. We are very much ready at all times to ensure we engage in issues that will take the nation to the next positive level,” Iziguzo said.
Similarly, Mr Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Secretary, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in his speech, said that the relationship between the media and the Police was a crucial one.
“A journalist will often need information, protection and authentication of information from the Police and the Police sometimes rely on information of incidences in the country from the journalists.
“The Police also rely on journalists to get pieces of evidence to back their investigations.
“But, unfortunately, this relationship sometimes tends to be sour and is a sad thing to say that across West Africa, the Police usually tend to be the aggressors.
“Sometimes, it is not because the Police don’t like the journalists, but some journalists don’t know how to handle themselves, particularly when they are in public places.
“We have seen where journalists go to war front in Syria, Yemen and bring footage, I believe they follow certain procedures; so, sometimes it is not that Police officers are rude or overzealous; may be journalists don’t toe the line they are supposed to,” Briamah said.
In his remark, the Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Mr Victor Egharevba, said that the safety of journalists was very important, adding that the death of a journalist during the protest by Islamic Movement in Nigeria, was a sad story.
Egharevba, represented by Director of Research and Statistics at NPC, Mrs. Stella Jubri, stressed that the media and Police needed each other to succeed.
Prof. Kwame Karikari, a professor of journalism from Ghana, said that the media and Police render very important services to the pubic, yet they were the most hated and criticised by the public.
According to him, the job of a journalist and Police requires high level of professionalism, adding that Police fight crimes and journalists expose crimes.
“Both institutions promote and defend democracy; there is need for them to work together for the overall development of the country.
“The media do make mistakes as well as the police, however, there should be a civilised way of addressing mistakes committed by journalists and Police officers,” Karikari said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that participants were drawn from the Nigeria Police, Media and other relevant stakeholders.
NAN reports that Iziguzo later called for a motion to adopt the framework in principle with Mr Amos Duniya of the Forefront Magazine moving the motion for the adoption of the Framework on Police Media-Relationship and Safety of Journalists.
It was seconded by CSP Ngozi Nwokomo, Officer in Charge of Public Complaints Bureau at the Force Headquartres, Abuja. (NAN)
In a bold demonstration of renewed strategic resolve to stamp out insurgency and restore enduring peace to the North East, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, today 6 November 2025, embarked on his maiden operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Theatre, Maiduguri, Borno State.
The visit, in line with the directive of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, underscores the Nigerian Army’s reinvigorated drive to consolidate on the gains made in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations towards total annihilation of terrorists in the NE.
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the trooos to sustain relentless pressure on the remnants of insurgents until total victory is achieved. He emphasized the imperative of decisively dealing with the insurgents to ensure normalcy in the region, while creating enabling atmosphere for socio-economic recovery and normalcy across the North East.
The Army Chief, who was on ground to assess the operational readiness of formations and units, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to providing the necessary platforms, logistics and welfare incentives to enhance troop morale and combat efficiency. He pledged to uphold and strengthen the Soldier-First concept of his predecessor, ensuring the welfare of troops remain too priority, as he emphasized fairness, justice, professionalism and the strategic deployment of competent personnel to mission-critical assignments.
According to him, “The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned, we will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.” he averred.
The COAS also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR, where he solicited continued prayers, intelligence support and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement ongoing military operations. He further assured the royal father of the Army’s capability and resolve to restore enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during the flooding incidents, which he noted, the humanitarian services rendered can never be forgotten by the people. He lauded the Army’s efforts in restoring normalcy in the state, noting that no single Local Government Area in the state is presently under the control of terrorist elements. The monarch further pledged continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral backing to ensure the total defeat of insurgency.
Highlights of the visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 4 x 30-family Corporal and Below quarters, inspection of combat platforms and visits to wounded-in-action personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital and Services, as well as frontline troops deployed at Bama and adjoining sectors.
The visit marks a new phase in the Nigerian Army’s counterinsurgency posture, reflecting the COAS’s determination to recalibrate operational strategies and strengthen the force’s combat effectiveness towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
From Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri
The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has embarked on an operational visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of efforts to evaluate ongoing security operations and motivate troops in the North East.
On arrival at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, Shaibu was received by the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, along with other senior military officers. During the visit, the Army Chief is scheduled to commission several developmental projects within the Theatre Command and receive comprehensive briefings from sector commanders on the current security situation in the region. He will also address frontline troops to commend their efforts and encourage renewed commitment in the fight against insurgency.The visit marks Shaibu’s first official engagement since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General O. Oluyede, who now serves as Chief of Defence Staff.As a former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, General Shaibu is expected to draw on his extensive experience in the North East to further strengthen military operations and consolidate gains made in the fight against terrorism.
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Ahead of the 2027 general election, Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi representing Osun East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries, held strategic meetings with key political figures to discuss the party’s roadmap and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to, Fadahunsi’s Head of Media and Public Enlightenment, Omole Oluwasegun Omo-Osodi, in a press statement in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Fadahunsi met with Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, immediate past governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The meeting focused on strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, the implementation of the Electoral Act, the upcoming general election, and continuous voter’s registration efforts.Expressing admiration for Oyetola’s leadership, Fadahunsi said, “I commend our leader, HE Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for his exemplary leadership and dedication.”They also discussed the forthcoming Osun governorship election, with confidence that the party primaries will be peaceful and that all aspirants will abide by party rules.Fadahunsi called on all party aspirants to maintain peace and decorum in their campaigns, commending their conduct so far: “I sincerely commend all our party aspirants for their peaceful campaigns and respect for party regulations.”In addition, Senator Fadahunsi visited Senator Sai’du Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transport, and Honorable Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, urging their support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
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