By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun and former Sierra Leonean Vice-President, Mr Samuel Sam-Sumana, for their contributions to counterterrorism, military-media relations and peace in West Africa.
The honourees were recognised at DECAN’s 3rd Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony, held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Army Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
The conference, themed, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” brought together senior military and security officials, government representatives, policymakers and journalists.
Ribadu was honoured for his leadership, strategic coordination and contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture under President Bola Tinubu.
The award was received on his behalf by the Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa.
Nigeria has battled Boko Haram and other terrorist groups for more than 15 years, resulting in significant loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of communities.
The Federal Government has sustained military operations, intelligence-led interventions and inter-agency coordination to disrupt terrorist networks and restore security to affected areas.
It has also pursued mass trials of terrorism suspects since October 2017 to ensure accountability and justice for victims.
According to figures cited in the award report, the government has secured 1,721 terrorism-related convictions since the trials commenced.
In 2026 alone, 865 convictions were recorded, exceeding the combined 856 convictions achieved between 2017 and 2025.
During the ninth phase of trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja, 386 convictions were secured from 508 cases, alongside eight discharges and two acquittals.
Also honoured was Rear Admiral Dahun, Director of Defence Cooperation at the Defence Headquarters, who received DECAN’s patron title for strengthening relations between the Nigerian Navy and defence journalists.
As a former Director of Naval Information, Dahun facilitated journalists’ participation in onboard engagements aboard Nigerian Navy ships, exposing them to naval operations, maritime security responsibilities and operational challenges.
DECAN said the initiative promoted better understanding of naval activities and supported more informed reporting on defence and security matters.
Meanwhile, Sam-Sumana expressed profound gratitude to Nigeria for its sacrifices in restoring peace to Sierra Leone during the country’s civil war.
He made the remarks when DECAN’s leadership paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja following his participation in the conference and awards ceremony.
The former vice-president acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerian troops and other personnel, saying their contributions would remain indelible in Sierra Leone’s history.
Describing Nigeria as West Africa’s big brother, he said the country’s stability and prosperity had far-reaching implications for the subregion.
“When Nigeria catches a cold, the rest of us sneeze,” he said, stressing the interconnectedness of West African countries.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s civil war and the conflict in neighbouring Liberia, Sam-Sumana urged African leaders to prioritise peace and prevent the recurrence of violent conflicts.
He also called on journalists to hold public officials accountable through fair, accurate and constructive reporting, warning leaders against interpreting criticism as hostility.
On Africa’s development, he advocated industrialisation, local production and value addition to natural resources to reduce dependence on foreign assistance and create employment opportunities.
He further called for stronger African representation in international decision-making institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
DECAN President, Odita Sunday, said the courtesy visit was to appreciate Sam-Sumana for accepting the association’s invitation and participating in the event.
The visit also provided an opportunity for veteran defence correspondents, Kingsley Omonobi and Molly Kilete, to recount their experiences covering the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Their accounts highlighted the human cost of armed conflict, the challenges of reporting from conflict zones and the importance of responsible journalism in promoting peace.
DECAN reaffirmed its commitment to credible defence reporting, accountability and stronger cooperation among the media, government and security institutions to address Nigeria’s security challenges and promote peace across Africa.
