By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony scheduled to hold in Abuja.
According to the Public Relations Officer of DECAN, Matthew Abi, Buratai also received a nomination for the association’s Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to national security and military leadership.
Speaking when he received a delegation of the DECAN Annual Lecture and Awards Committee led by the association’s President, Comrade Odita Sunday, Buratai described the lecture theme, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s current security realities.
“This topic is quite contemporary. Beyond kinetic warfare, harnessing technology and intelligence-led operations for Nigeria’s national security is very relevant,” he said.
The former Army chief stressed the importance of professional associations in protecting members’ welfare, job security and professional interests, while also serving as a platform for addressing challenges facing practitioners.
Buratai noted that defence journalism remains critical to national security, development, cohesion and unity, adding that effective communication plays a significant role in the success of military operations.
“If you don’t project yourself, if you don’t get your information out as timely as possible, then be reassured that even your battle will be lost. Your strategy will be ineffective, which by implication, your operational execution will also be affected,” he said.
He recalled that during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army opened its operational activities to defence correspondents, allowing journalists to accompany troops to operational theatres across the country.
According to him, the initiative transformed the relationship between the military and the media and provided journalists with first-hand access to military operations.
“We broke the jinx that you don’t report on the military while in action in Nigeria,” Buratai stated.
He explained that the policy was introduced partly to counter Boko Haram propaganda, noting that insurgents had previously exploited media channels to spread fear, promote their ideology and demoralise troops.
Recounting one of the operations during which journalists accompanied him, Buratai said troops came under ambush while advancing towards Gamboru Ngala after clearing Mafa and Dikwa. He disclosed that one soldier was killed while a general and another soldier sustained injuries, but troops successfully repelled the attack and captured insurgents alive.
He said real-time reporting from the battlefield helped dismantle Boko Haram’s dominance of the information space and prevented the spread of misinformation.
“Those issues were reported live, and we broke the Boko Haram information and media propaganda back, so they could no longer have the monopoly to tell the world and spread rumours,” he added.
Buratai expressed appreciation to DECAN for nominating him for the Distinguished Leadership Award, describing the recognition as one he deeply cherished. He also pledged to sustain his cordial relationship with defence correspondents and confirmed his readiness to attend the event and deliver the keynote lecture.
Earlier, DECAN President, Comrade Odita Sunday, said the delegation visited Buratai to formally notify him of his nomination and invite him to serve as Guest Lecturer at the 2026 annual lecture and awards ceremony.
Sunday said Buratai’s vast experience in military leadership, national defence and security management would enrich discussions on emerging security threats and the growing role of technology and intelligence in modern warfare.
He added that the lecture would bring together policymakers, security professionals, journalists, academics and other stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, while the awards segment would honour individuals and institutions whose contributions have advanced national security, defence and responsible journalism in the country.
