Olukolade Advocates for Stronger Communication in Security

At the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja, Major General Chris Olukolade, a retired director of Defence Information, underscored the critical role of communication in contemporary security operations. He identified communication as a vital element that can influence public trust and perceptions, warning that gaps in operational decisions and public understanding could adversely affect national security outcomes.

Olukolade noted that security institutions often operate under pressure and uncertainty, which limits their ability to communicate effectively and maintain public confidence. He stressed the challenges faced when intentions behind security actions are not clearly communicated.

Commodore Aliyu Kabir, a retired officer of the Nigerian Navy, also spoke at the summit, asserting that modern security environments require integrated communication strategies to inform and influence public perception. Both emphasized the need for stronger institutional engagement between security agencies and journalists to build a communication framework that supports national stability.