Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), has warned that the military could suffer setbacks on the battlefield if timely and accurate information is not made available during military operations.

Buratai made the remarks while highlighting the importance of effective communication and the role of the media in military operations.

He explained that information plays a critical role in modern warfare, noting that delays in communicating developments can create opportunities for adversaries to influence public perception and spread misleading narratives.

The retired army chief recalled efforts during his tenure to strengthen the relationship between the Nigerian Army and defence correspondents by allowing journalists greater access to operational areas.

According to him, the approach enabled journalists to obtain firsthand information from military theatres and report events directly, thereby helping to counter propaganda from terrorist groups.

He said terrorist organisations had previously exploited information gaps to circulate their own accounts of military operations and portray themselves in a favourable light.

Buratai stressed that providing credible information from the battlefield is important not only for public understanding but also for countering false narratives and protecting the credibility of military operations.

He further noted that closer cooperation between the military and the media could contribute to more accurate reporting of security operations and prevent hostile groups from controlling the narrative.

The former army chief made the remarks in Abuja during an engagement with members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, where discussions focused on military reporting and the relationship between the armed forces and the media.