Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd.), has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Abuja.
Buratai confirmed his acceptance on Friday when he received a delegation of the DECAN Annual Lecture and Awards Committee, led by the association’s President, Comrade Odita Sunday, during a courtesy visit.
The former Army Chief was also formally notified of his nomination for the Distinguished Leadership Award and invited to serve as Guest Lecturer at the annual event.
Buratai described the lecture theme, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” as timely and relevant to the country’s evolving security environment.
He stressed the importance of technology, intelligence and effective communication in contemporary military operations, noting that delays in communicating operational activities could create information gaps that adversaries might exploit.
The former Army Chief also underscored the importance of professional associations in protecting members’ welfare, job security and professional interests. He highlighted the role of defence journalism in promoting national security, development, cohesion and unity.
Buratai recalled that during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army increased access for defence correspondents, including allowing journalists to accompany troops to operational theatres.
He said the policy helped strengthen understanding between the military and the media while giving journalists first-hand exposure to military operations.
According to him, the approach was also partly designed to counter the propaganda activities of Boko Haram insurgents, which he said had enabled the group to spread its ideology, create fear and undermine troop morale.
Buratai said improved media access to operational theatres allowed journalists to report developments directly from the field, helping to challenge misinformation and reduce the insurgents’ influence in the information space.
The former Army Chief expressed appreciation to DECAN for the Distinguished Leadership Award nomination, describing the recognition as one he cherished.
Earlier, Odita said Buratai’s extensive experience in military leadership, national defence and security would contribute significantly to discussions on emerging threats and the growing role of technology and intelligence-led operations.
He said the annual lecture would bring together policymakers, security professionals, journalists, academics and other stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s changing security environment and consider approaches to addressing emerging challenges.
Odita added that the awards ceremony would recognise individuals and institutions whose contributions had advanced national security, defence and responsible journalism in Nigeria.
Buratai also pledged to sustain his relationship with defence correspondents and reaffirmed his readiness to attend the 2026 DECAN Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony and deliver the keynote address.
