Buratai To Deliver Keynote At DECAN Lecture, Nominated For Leadership Award
As Nigeria’s security challenges increasingly demand technology-driven and intelligence-led responses, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Abuja.
Buratai accepted the invitation on Friday when a DECAN delegation, led by its President, Comrade Odita Sunday, paid him a courtesy visit.
The former Army chief was also nominated for DECAN’s Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to military leadership and national security.
The lecture, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” will examine the growing role of technology, intelligence and information in addressing contemporary security threats.
Buratai described the theme as timely, stressing that effective communication is also critical to military operations because information gaps can be exploited by adversaries.
He recalled that during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army opened operational theatres to defence correspondents, allowing journalists to accompany troops and report military activities from the field.
According to him, the approach helped counter Boko Haram’s propaganda and ended what he described as the insurgents’ monopoly over information about the conflict.
Buratai said defence journalism remained important to national security, while professional associations such as DECAN had a role to play in protecting journalists’ welfare and professional interests.
He expressed appreciation for the award nomination and pledged to maintain his relationship with defence correspondents.
Earlier, Odita said DECAN invited Buratai because of his experience in military leadership and national defence, adding that his participation would enrich discussions on emerging security threats and modern warfare.
The 2026 annual lecture and awards will bring together policymakers, security professionals, journalists, academics and other stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s evolving security environment and recognise contributions to national security, defence and responsible journalism.
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