The need to strengthen intelligence-led military operations, integrate technology into security responses and promote responsible defence reporting was a key featured at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference on National Security and Awards Ceremony in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Desk:
Defence & Security
Date: October 12, 2026
Time: 15:01 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Author: Nokai Origin
The
conference, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and
Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” brought
together discussions on military capability, institutional cooperation and the
role of the media in informing the public about national security.
The
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), called for greater
emphasis on intelligence, technology and coordination among security
institutions, while Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Kana, highlighted the
influence of defence journalism and open-source information on Nigeria’s image
and security communication.
General
Musa Calls For Intelligence, Technology And Operational Adaptation
General
Musa who was represented by the Special Adviser to the minister on Foreign
Relations, Air Commodore Steven Ogumodede, commended DECAN for selecting a
theme that reflects the changing nature of contemporary security threats. He
noted that while troop deployments, military engagements, territory recovered
and arrests remain important, these visible activities do not fully capture the
effectiveness of security operations.
The
Defence Minister observed that terrorist groups, criminal networks and other
adversaries increasingly exploit information, technology, financial systems and
gaps in coordination. He therefore emphasised the need to combine combat
operations with timely intelligence, technological capabilities, sound planning
and cooperation among relevant security institutions.
According
to him, intelligence-led operations enable security agencies to identify
threats early, understand their networks, anticipate their intentions and act
with precision before lives are lost.
General
Musa also cautioned that technology alone could not guarantee operational
effectiveness. Surveillance, reconnaissance, communications and analytical
systems, he said, must be supported by trained personnel, reliable systems,
effective doctrine and sound professional judgement.
He
reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to approaches that improve
situational awareness, intelligence coordination and operational effectiveness,
while stressing the need for continued learning, adaptation and innovation
across the Armed Forces.
The
Minister further emphasised that no single security institution possesses all
the information and capabilities required to address contemporary threats,
making stronger cooperation across Nigeria’s security architecture essential.
Defence
Minister Urges Responsible Reporting Without Abandoning Scrutiny
General
Musa also addressed the relationship between the Armed Forces and the media,
describing responsible journalism as important to public understanding,
institutional accountability and confidence in national security institutions.
He
acknowledged that defence correspondents operate between the public’s
legitimate right to information and the operational requirements of security
agencies. However, he argued that the two responsibilities should not be
treated as inherently incompatible.
The
Minister noted that intelligence-led operations are not always visible to the
public. Efforts that prevent attacks may produce no dramatic images, while
sensitive intelligence may need to remain protected to avoid exposing
personnel, compromising operations or endangering civilians.
He
consequently urged defence correspondents to exercise professionalism and sound
judgement when handling unverified reports, sensitive operational details and
information whose premature disclosure could affect security operations.
At
the same time, General Musa maintained that scrutiny of the Armed Forces
remains legitimate and necessary, adding that accurate reporting can contribute
to improved institutional performance.
He
congratulated recipients of the DECAN Defence Journalism Excellence Awards,
urging them to uphold accuracy, fairness, independence and responsibility in
their reporting.
The
Minister also welcomed stronger engagement between the Ministry of Defence and
DECAN, expressing hope that the relationship would advance professional
understanding, responsible reporting and the shared interest in a safer
Nigeria.
Dr.
Kana Highlights Open-Source Intelligence And Nigeria’s International Image
In
his goodwill message, Dr Ibrahim Kana drew on his experience working with
journalists during his time in the Ministry of Defence to emphasise the
importance of defence correspondents in communicating Nigeria’s security
situation.
He
said his relationship with journalists, particularly those covering defence,
was built around the need to work together in presenting information about the
country. He commended defence correspondents for their engagement with the
Armed Forces and urged them to sustain responsible reporting.
Kana
also highlighted the role of open-source intelligence, explaining that
information published on social media and other public platforms is monitored
and analysed by external observers, including personnel working with foreign
embassies in Nigeria.
He
warned that the way information about Nigeria is presented can influence how
the country is perceived internationally. According to him, such information is
often synthesised into assessments that may portray the country negatively.
He
encouraged defence correspondents to continue reporting on the Armed Forces and
the security situation in a manner that reflects their work responsibly, while
commending their commitment to covering national security issues.
Kana
also praised members of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in protecting the
country, noting that the demands of military service are not always fully
appreciated by people who have not worked closely with personnel in operational
environments.
He
expressed continued pride in his association with the Ministry of Defence,
recalling that he received the Defence Recognition Medal from the then Chief of
Defence Staff upon his departure from the ministry.
Conference
Reinforces Media-Military Engagement
Both
contributions highlighted the importance of cooperation between security
institutions and the media, although from different perspectives. General Musa
focused on the operational requirements of intelligence-led security and the
need to balance public information with operational security, while Kana
emphasised defence journalism’s role in public understanding and Nigeria’s
international image.
The
conference provided a platform for these issues to be discussed alongside
recognition of journalists whose work contributes to defence and national
security reporting.
As the speakers urged continued collaboration, their messages placed emphasis on intelligence, technology, professional standards and communication as important components of Nigeria’s response to contemporary security challenges.
🏷️ Tags: Zig Originals, Defence & Security, General
Musa, Dr Ibrahim Kana, DECAN Conference, Defence Journalism
#ZigOriginals
#ZigDiariesDefence #GeneralMusa #DrIbrahimKana #DECAN #DefenceJournalism
~2.png)
.jpeg)
0 Comments