DECAN Calls for Tech-Driven Military Operations as Ribadu, Service Chiefs Receive Awards

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has called for greater investment in intelligence, surveillance technology and inter-agency cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, as it honoured the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and serving and retired military chiefs for their contributions to national security.

The call was made at the association’s 2nd Annual Conference and Award Ceremony, held on Monday, October 12, at the Command Officer Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

The conference, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” examined the need to move beyond conventional military engagements towards intelligence-driven strategies capable of addressing increasingly complex security threats.

Among those honoured were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.); Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), was also honoured as Grand Patron of the association.

In his speech, the president of DECAN, Mr Odita, said the recognition of the security leaders reflected their contributions to counter-terrorism operations, military reforms, intelligence coordination and efforts to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and economic interests.

Ribadu received an award for his leadership and coordination of Nigeria’s national security architecture, while Oluyede was recognised for military leadership and efforts to strengthen cooperation among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The association also acknowledged Oluyede’s role in coordinating operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups, as well as efforts that have contributed to the surrender of terrorist commanders and fighters.

Buratai received the Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of his military service and contributions to counter-insurgency operations during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff. He also previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

Shaibu was honoured for his leadership of the Nigerian Army and reforms aimed at expanding its operational capacity, including plans to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Abbas, received recognition for efforts to strengthen maritime security, combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and sustain operations against crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.

Aneke was honoured for advancing precision air operations, aerial surveillance and measures to mitigate civilian harm during military missions. The award also acknowledged sustained air operations against terrorist targets in northern Nigeria and illegal oil-refining sites in the South-South.

Technology, intelligence key to future operations

Beyond the awards, participants stressed that the changing nature of security threats required the Armed Forces to embrace advanced surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence and real-time information sharing.

They argued that the effectiveness of modern military operations increasingly depended on the ability to obtain reliable intelligence, identify threats early and coordinate responses across security agencies.

However, they cautioned that acquiring advanced technology alone would not guarantee operational success without adequate personnel training, dependable equipment and effective coordination.

The conference also examined the role of defence correspondents in reporting military operations and informing the public about security developments.

Musa urged journalists to uphold professional standards while balancing their responsibility to hold public institutions accountable with the need to protect sensitive operational information.

He cautioned against publishing unverified reports and details that could expose military personnel, compromise ongoing operations or provide an advantage to hostile groups.

His remarks highlighted the challenge of maintaining press freedom and public accountability without undermining national security.

The conference ended with a renewed emphasis on stronger military-media cooperation, improved intelligence capabilities and the adoption of technology-driven strategies to confront terrorism and other security threats across Nigeria.