A former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd.), has stressed the importance of a strong partnership between the military and the media in the fight against insurgency and other security threats.
Buratai made the call in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Annual Lecture and Awards Committee.
He said “Timely and accurate dissemination of information was crucial to military operations, particularly in countering enemy propaganda and preventing adversaries from dominating the information space.”
According to him, “military successes and activities must be effectively communicated to the public, noting that failure to provide timely information could undermine operational effectiveness and create room for misinformation.”
The former Army Chief described defence journalism as an important component of national security, saying defence correspondents play a vital role in informing Nigerians about the challenges, achievements and prospects of the nation’s defence sector.
Buratai recalled that during his tenure, the Nigerian Army strengthened its relationship with the media by allowing defence correspondents to accompany troops on operations.
He explained that the initiative was partly aimed at countering the propaganda activities of Boko Haram insurgents, who, he said, relied heavily on information campaigns to spread fear, promote their ideology and demoralise citizens and security personnel.
He recalled an operation in the North-East in which journalists accompanied troops advancing towards Gamboru Ngala after the liberation of Mafa and Dikwa.
Buratai said “The convoy came under attack during the operation, resulting in the death of a soldier and injuries to a general and another soldier.”
He noted that the presence of journalists enabled the incident to be reported directly from the field, providing the public with accurate information and helping to counter narratives being promoted by the insurgents.
Buratai said “the collaboration between the military and the media helped to break the monopoly insurgents had previously enjoyed over information on military operations, while strengthening public confidence and limiting the spread of misinformation.”
He commended defence correspondents for their commitment to reporting security issues and urged the military and the media to sustain their partnership in the interest of national security and national development.
Earlier, DECAN President, Sunday Odita, said the delegation visited Buratai to formally notify him of his nomination and invitation as Guest Lecturer at the association’s 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony.
Odita said “Buratai’s experience in military leadership, national defence and security management would enrich discussions on emerging security threats, as well as the application of technology and intelligence in modern security operations.”
He said “The annual lecture would bring together policymakers, security professionals, journalists, academics and other stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.”
He added that the awards segment would recognise individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to national security, defence and responsible journalism.
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