Opening battlefield to media broke Boko Haram’s propaganda grip – Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says opening the battlefield to journalists helped the Nigerian Army break Boko Haram’s grip on information and counter terrorist propaganda.

Buratai, also a former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, stated this on Friday in Abuja when the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Annual Lecture and Awards Committee paid him a courtesy visit.

He said his administration deliberately transformed Army-media relations by taking defence correspondents to operational theatres to witness and report military activities firsthand.

He explained that terrorists had exploited the media to propagate their ideology, spread misinformation and demoralise both citizens and troops.

“We broke the jinx that you don’t report on the military while in action in Nigeria.

“The best way to counter the propaganda was to ensure that journalists had direct access to the battlefield and could report events as they unfolded,” he said.

Buratai recalled an operation towards Gamboru-Ngala where journalists accompanying troops witnessed an ambush that left one soldier dead and two others, including a general, wounded.

He said the frontline coverage demonstrated the seriousness of the operation and the resolve of the Army to defeat the insurgents.

The former COAS said the approach subsequently denied Boko Haram the monopoly of telling its version of events to the public and the international community.

He stressed that timely and credible information remained critical to modern military strategy, adding that failure to effectively communicate military activities could undermine operational objectives.

“Your part is very important,” Buratai told the defence correspondents, while commending them for their role in projecting the activities and achievements of the military.

He said defence journalism was particularly important because the sector was central to national security, development, cohesion and national unity.

Buratai accepted the invitation, describing the theme as contemporary and relevant to Nigeria’s national security needs.

He also expressed appreciation for his nomination for the Distinguished Leadership Award, saying the recognition was one he deeply cherished.

The former COAS urged DECAN to sustain its relationship with the military and continue using professional journalism to contribute to national development.

Meanwhile, President of DECAN, Mr Odita Sunday, said the association invited Buratai to serve as Guest Lecturer at its 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony.

Odita said Buratai’s extensive experience in military leadership and national security would enrich discussions and provide valuable insights to policymakers, security professionals, journalists and academics.

He said the lecture, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” was timely.

According to him, emerging threats increasingly require the integration of technology, intelligence, cyber capabilities, surveillance systems and other non-kinetic tools.

Odita said the lecture would provide a platform for informed discussion on strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to anticipate, prevent and respond to emerging security threats.

(NAN)