DECAN Honours Ribadu, CDS, Buratai, Service Chiefs for Counter-Terrorism Operations

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.) and service chiefs for their contributions to counter-terrorism operations and national security.

The awardees were recognised at the association’s 3rd Annual Conference and Award Ceremony held at the Command Officer Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

The conference, themed, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” brought together military leaders, defence officials and journalists to examine strategies for tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.

Ribadu received the award for his leadership, strategic coordination and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

Oluyede was recognised for his military leadership, coordination among the three services and contributions to degrading the operational capabilities of terrorist groups across the country.

The award also acknowledged sustained military operations under his leadership, which have contributed to the surrender of terrorist commanders and fighters, as well as efforts to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Similarly, Buratai, a former Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Benin, received the Outstanding Leadership Award for his distinguished military service and contributions to counter-terrorism operations during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.

The current Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, received the Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his leadership and reforms aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army.

His award highlighted efforts to expand the Army’s order of battle, recruit an additional 20,000 personnel and sustain military campaigns against terrorism and other security threats.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, was also honoured for his contributions to maritime security, including efforts to combat piracy, improve security in the Gulf of Guinea and sustain operations against crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, received recognition for the Nigerian Air Force’s contributions to counter-terrorism operations, precision air strikes, aerial surveillance and efforts to minimise civilian harm.

The association particularly acknowledged sustained air operations against terrorist enclaves in northern Nigeria and illegal oil-refining sites in the South-South, noting the importance of air power in supporting ground troops and improving intelligence gathering.

Beyond the award presentations, participants called for increased investment in advanced surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence and real-time information sharing to strengthen threat detection and operational decision-making.

They also stressed the need for adequate personnel training, reliable equipment and effective coordination among security agencies to ensure that technological advancements translate into improved operational outcomes.

The conference further examined the role of defence correspondents in promoting public understanding of military operations while maintaining professional standards and responsible reporting.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), who was honoured as Grand Patron of DECAN, urged journalists to balance their responsibility to hold public institutions accountable with the need to safeguard operational security.

He cautioned against publishing unverified reports and sensitive information capable of compromising military missions or endangering personnel.

The minister’s warning highlighted the need to balance press freedom and public accountability with the protection of information that could undermine ongoing security operations.

The conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between the military and the media in advancing national security objectives, particularly as the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensify efforts to modernise their capabilities and strengthen intelligence-led operations against terrorism and other security threats.