….Operation HADIN KAI Theatre Commander salutes journalists covering North-East insurgency
By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Nigerian Army has honoured News Central Television correspondent, Umaru Kirawa, with a prestigious Conflict Coverage Hero Award for his courage, professionalism and sustained reporting from Nigeria’s troubled North-East.
Kirawa received the award from the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, during a ceremony at the Theatre Command Headquarters in Maiduguri on Friday, September 12, 2026.
The recognition places Kirawa among journalists whose work has stood out in one of the country’s most challenging and dangerous reporting environments, where correspondents routinely cover military operations, terrorism, displacement and the struggles of communities affected by prolonged insecurity.
Presenting the award, Major General Abubakar commended journalists operating within the theatre of operations for their sacrifice and commitment to keeping Nigerians informed.
He said the media had an important responsibility in communicating developments from conflict-affected areas and ensuring that the public remained informed about the efforts of security forces to restore peace and protect communities.
The Theatre Commander specifically praised Kirawa’s consistency in reporting from the North-East, describing his work as reflecting courage and commitment to professional journalism.
Kirawa has built a reputation for taking his audience beyond official statements by reporting from the field and highlighting the realities confronting residents of communities affected by terrorism and displacement.
His coverage has included military operations, humanitarian situations, internally displaced persons and recovery efforts in parts of Borno and other areas of the North-East.
Recognition from the Battlefield
The award is particularly significant because frontline journalism in the North-East comes with considerable risks.
For reporters covering the insurgency, the assignment often involves travelling into conflict-affected communities, documenting the aftermath of attacks, speaking with displaced families and following developments in areas where security conditions can change rapidly.
Yet, despite the challenges, journalists have continued to provide Nigerians with firsthand accounts of the security situation and its impact on ordinary people.
Major General Abubakar said the Army’s decision to honour Kirawa was also an appreciation of media professionals who have remained committed to documenting the realities of the insurgency while operating under difficult circumstances.
He noted that responsible journalism contributes to public understanding of both the challenges posed by terrorism and the efforts being made by troops to defeat the threat.
The Theatre Commander’s remarks underline the increasingly important role of the media in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign.
While soldiers remain responsible for confronting terrorist threats on the ground, journalists provide the public with information about developments in affected areas and document the experiences of communities caught up in the conflict.
Kirawa: ‘This Award Is for All Frontline Journalists’
Receiving the honour, Kirawa dedicated the award to journalists across the country who continue to work in conflict zones despite the risks involved.
He reaffirmed his commitment to objective journalism, stressing the importance of telling the stories of communities affected by insecurity while also reporting progress recorded in efforts to restore peace.
His gesture turned the individual recognition into a tribute to the wider community of Nigerian journalists working under difficult conditions.
For years, the North-East has remained a major theatre of Nigeria’s battle against terrorism. The conflict has affected communities, displaced families and disrupted livelihoods, while security agencies have continued operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks and restoring stability.
Against this background, the role of journalists has extended beyond simply reporting military engagements.
Correspondents have documented the human cost of the crisis, including the experiences of internally displaced persons, families separated by violence and communities gradually rebuilding their lives after years of disruption.
Kirawa’s reporting has similarly focused on these human dimensions, providing audiences with a picture of both the security challenges and the resilience of people living in affected areas.
Media-Military Partnership
The award also highlights the importance of professional engagement between the media and security agencies.
In a conflict environment, timely and credible information is crucial, while responsible reporting can help prevent misinformation and provide the public with a clearer understanding of developments.
At the same time, journalists are expected to maintain their professional independence and verify information before publication, particularly when reporting sensitive security matters.
The recognition of Kirawa by Operation HADIN KAI therefore sends a broader message about the value of credible frontline reporting in Nigeria’s ongoing security efforts.
It acknowledges the risks faced by journalists who leave the safety of newsrooms to report directly from affected communities and military theatres.
For Kirawa, the award represents recognition for years of frontline journalism.
For his colleagues, it serves as a reminder that their work is seen and valued.
And for the wider media profession, it reinforces the enduring responsibility of journalists to document events, amplify the voices of affected communities and keep society informed—even when the story comes from the most difficult corners of the country.
As Operation HADIN KAI continues its counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East, the Army’s recognition of Kirawa underscores another important reality of the conflict: while troops fight to secure the ground, journalists remain on the frontline of telling its story.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
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