Dr. James Bwala, a lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Bingham University, has recalled a dramatic experience from his early journalism career when he was reportedly instructed by his editor to track down and interview late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.
Bwala shared the account during an interview with Trust TV explaining that the incident occurred while he was working with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper during the height of Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria.
According to him, the assignment reflected the extreme risks journalists sometimes faced while covering conflict situations in the country, especially in regions heavily affected by insurgent activities.
He said the instruction from his editor was to locate Shekau and secure an interview with him, despite the obvious dangers associated with such a mission at the time.
Bwala explained that he immediately raised concerns about the feasibility and personal safety implications of carrying out such an assignment alone in a volatile environment.
He added that he made it clear to his editor that while he was willing to attempt the assignment, it would not be done without direct support and shared risk.
In his words, Bwala said: “When I was with Nigerian Tribune my editor told me to look for Shekau and interview him. I told him that, ‘If you will leave Ibadan and come to Maiduguri I will take you there, but for me to go alone I will not’”
The academic noted that his response was rooted in both professional caution and an understanding of the security realities at the time, when Boko Haram attacks were frequent and unpredictable in several parts of the North-East.
He explained that journalists covering insurgency-related stories often had to balance the pursuit of exclusive reports with the need to preserve their lives and avoid unnecessary exposure to danger.
Bwala further emphasized that journalism in conflict zones requires not only courage but also careful planning, institutional support, and shared responsibility between reporters and editorial leadership.
He noted that many journalists in Nigeria have faced similar situations where editorial demands clash with on-the-ground security realities, especially during periods of heightened insurgency and violence.
According to him, such experiences highlight the challenges faced by media professionals who are tasked with reporting sensitive national security issues under extremely difficult conditions.
The lecturer added that the story also reflects the broader issue of newsroom expectations and the ethical boundaries of assigning high-risk investigative tasks to field reporters.
He stressed that while journalism often demands bravery, it should not come at the cost of avoidable personal risk without proper institutional backing.
