By Dr. James Bwala.
At the 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) held in Abuja on October 12, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), delivered a keynote address that combined experience, wisdom and strategic insight.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” Gen. Buratai reminded Nigeria’s security community that modern warfare is no longer determined only by weapons, troop movements or territorial control. It is also shaped by information, technology, intelligence and the ability to communicate with clarity and speed.
The occasion, organised under the leadership of DECAN President, Comrade Odita Sunday, provided an important platform for reflection on Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and an opportunity to recognise individuals whose contributions have strengthened national defence and responsible security reporting.
Gen. Buratai, who received DECAN’s Distinguished Leadership Award for his contributions to military statecraft and national defence, used the occasion to emphasize a truth increasingly relevant to Nigeria’s security environment: a nation can win battles on the ground and still lose the larger strategic contest if it fails to control the information space.
His warning that timely and credible military communication is the cornerstone of modern warfare deserves serious attention. In an age where information travels instantly across social media platforms and digital news outlets, silence is no longer neutral. When official institutions fail to deliver accurate and timely information, an information gap arises. That gap is quickly filled by insurgents, terrorists and propagandists who, through false claims, manipulated images and exaggerated reports, influence public opinion, create fear, weaken confidence in the military and portray tactical setbacks as national collapse.
His message was therefore not merely a call for better public relations, but a strategic argument for recognising information as an operational domain. In contemporary conflicts, military success depends not only on defeating an enemy’s physical capabilities but also on defeating its ability to recruit, intimidate, deceive and mobilise support. A terrorist organisation may be militarily weaker than the state, yet remain dangerous if it succeeds in projecting an image of strength and inevitability. This is why communication must be treated as part of national security planning, not as an activity reserved for moments of crisis.
Nigeria’s security challenges have become increasingly complex. The country continues to confront terrorism and insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, separatist violence, communal conflict, oil theft, cybercrime and other forms of criminality. These threats do not operate within clearly defined battlefields. They exploit difficult terrain, porous borders, local grievances, weak institutions, online networks and gaps in intelligence. They also use propaganda to distort events and recruit vulnerable populations.
The traditional model of warfare, based mainly on kinetic operations, is therefore no longer sufficient. While kinetic action remains essential in confronting armed groups and protecting communities, force alone cannot permanently resolve the conditions that allow violent groups to emerge and survive. Sustainable security requires an integrated approach that combines military strength with intelligence, technology, diplomacy, development, public engagement and justice.
Intelligence-led operations are central to this approach. Effective intelligence enables security agencies to identify threats before they mature, understand the structure of criminal and terrorist networks, locate their logistics and anticipate their movements. It helps commanders deploy resources more accurately and reduces the likelihood of casualties and collateral damage. It also supports cooperation among the military, police, intelligence services, border agencies and local authorities.
For Nigeria, improving intelligence-led operations should involve investment in modern surveillance systems, satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles, secure communications and advanced data analysis. However, technology must not be viewed as a substitute for human intelligence. Local knowledge remains indispensable, particularly where armed groups operate among civilian populations.
The challenge is to build trust between communities and security institutions. Citizens are more likely to share information when they believe their identities will be protected, their concerns taken seriously and security agencies will act professionally. Intelligence gathering must therefore be accompanied by respect for human rights, accountability and disciplined engagement.
Technology also presents significant opportunities. Digital platforms can improve coordination, speed up field reporting and support real-time decision-making. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help map criminal patterns, while Artificial Intelligence can assist analysts in detecting connections across large volumes of data. Digital forensics can help trace financial transactions and online recruitment linked to terrorism and organised crime.
Nevertheless, technological modernisation must be carefully managed. Acquiring sophisticated equipment without adequate training, maintenance and institutional coordination will produce limited results. Nigeria must invest not only in hardware but also in skilled personnel, research institutions, cybersecurity and long-term technical support. Cooperation among the armed forces, universities, technology companies and defence industries should also be encouraged.
Another critical issue is the role of the media. Defence correspondents occupy a sensitive position between the military, government and the public. Their reporting can strengthen accountability and public understanding, but if careless or poorly sourced, can also compromise operations or spread panic.
This does not mean journalists should become uncritical extensions of the military. Credible reporting requires independence, but independence must be combined with professionalism. Defence reporters should verify information, distinguish between confirmed facts and allegations, avoid publishing sensitive operational details and resist sensationalism. The military, for its part, must understand that journalists are not enemies. Transparent and timely engagement can prevent rumours, reduce confusion and strengthen public confidence.
Communication is particularly important because morale is a strategic asset. Soldiers need to know their sacrifices are recognised. Families of military personnel deserve reliable information. Civilians affected by conflict need to know what is happening and how to stay safe.
Gen. Buratai’s emphasis on fallen heroes also carries a profound national message. The courage of Nigeria’s military personnel must not be remembered only during ceremonial occasions. It should be reflected in the commitment to properly equip troops, care for wounded veterans, support military families and preserve the dignity of those who gave their lives in service.
Ultimately, the theme of the DECAN lecture points to a necessary transformation in how Nigeria understands security. The future will not belong exclusively to the side with more weapons, but to the side that can gather better information, interpret it accurately, act decisively and communicate credibly.
Lt. Gen. Buratai’s address was significant because it connected military experience with the demands of a changing world. His warning about the dangers of an information gap should be treated as a strategic directive, not a ceremonial observation.
As Nigeria confronts increasingly sophisticated threats, it must strengthen its capacity to operate across physical, digital and psychological spaces. It must invest in intelligence, embrace responsible technology, build trust with communities and ensure credible information reaches the public in good time.
Dr. James Bwala is a security analyst and writes from Abuja.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This opinion piece reflects the author’s perspective on national security and the significance of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s keynote address at the 2026 DECAN Annual Lecture. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of this newspaper.
