A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has emphasized the importance of timely information dissemination by the military in winning the war against insurgency. He made this statement in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria Annual Lecture and Awards Committee. Buratai highlighted that the military's failure to project its operations and provide timely information could affect its strategy and operational effectiveness.
Buratai noted that defence journalism plays a critical role in informing the public about the challenges, achievements, and prospects of the defence sector. During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army strengthened its relationship with the media by allowing defence correspondents to accompany troops to operational theatres. This decision was aimed at countering Boko Haram insurgents' propaganda machinery.
The former Army chief recalled an operation where journalists accompanied the military convoy advancing towards Gamboru Ngala after troops had cleared Mafa and Dikwa. The convoy was ambushed, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to a general and another soldier. The incident was reported live, allowing the military and media to provide first-hand accounts of the operation and counter insurgents' propaganda.
By carrying the press along, Buratai said the military was able to break Boko Haram's information and media propaganda, thereby preventing them from having a monopoly on spreading rumors. He commended defence correspondents for their role in reporting security operations and urged the media and military to sustain their relationship in the interest of national development and security.
Buratai's comments come as the military continues to face challenges in its fight against insurgency. The Nigerian Army has been battling Boko Haram for over a decade, with the insurgents using information to spread their ideology and demoralize citizens and troops. The military's efforts to counter this propaganda have been crucial in its fight against the insurgents.
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria Annual Lecture and Awards Committee had nominated Buratai as Guest Lecturer for their 2026 annual lecture and awards ceremony. The committee's president, Odita Sunday, led the delegation to Buratai's residence to formally notify him of his nomination and invitation.
Buratai's lecture is expected to focus on the role of the media in national security, particularly in the context of the military's fight against insurgency. His insights and experiences as a former Chief of Army Staff are expected to provide valuable perspectives on the importance of defence journalism and the media's role in shaping public opinion on security issues.
Key points
- Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai emphasizes timely information dissemination by military in winning war against insurgency
- Nigerian Army allowed defence correspondents to accompany troops to operational theatres to counter Boko Haram propaganda
- Buratai commends defence correspondents for their role in reporting security operations and urges sustained relationship between media and military
