By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has held its congress with the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Musa, presenting a paper titled “Uniting Against Banditry: The Symbiotic Roles of the Community, Media, and Security Agencies.”
In his presentation, Musa stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing security challenges. He said the community plays a crucial role by providing intelligence, reporting suspicious activities, denying bandits sanctuary, and promoting social cohesion.
The Commissioner noted that security agencies are responsible for responding to threats and protecting citizens. According to him, they must also engage with credible media houses, provide timely and accurate briefings, and build trust with the public.
Highlighting the role of the press, Musa said the media shapes public opinion, promotes awareness, and holds stakeholders accountable. He urged journalists to verify information, avoid sensationalism, and foster a narrative of hope and resilience.
He further emphasized that effective collaboration between security agencies, the community, and the media is vital to achieving peace and stability. Building trust, he said, remains essential for a safer and more secure environment.
Musa added that the media can set the agenda by highlighting stories of peace, reconciliation, and community resilience, thereby contributing significantly to public enlightenment on security issues.
