How PR Became Nigerian Army’s Weapon Against Boko Haram – Kukasheka
The Nigerian Army once deployed public relations strategies to effectively shape narratives and counter misinformation in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, a former Army spokesperson has revealed.
Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd), a former Director of Army Public Relations, shared insights at the NIPR FCT Chapter’s PR Solution Spotlight, held at Bolingo Hotel Xperia, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the Chapter.
The PR Solution Spotlight, themed, “Strengthening Professional Reputation, Influence and Impact in an Era of Disruption”, brought together professionals to examine the evolving role of public relations in crisis management, reputation building, and institutional trust.
Kukasheka highlighted the Army’s commitment to transparency, particularly in disclosing troop casualties when ambushed or attacked by Boko Haram in the North East, during the tenure of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). “Even when we lost the Army’s Chief of Training at a point, we were forthright with the media and other critical stakeholders. That honesty helped build a long-term reputation,” he said.
According to him, the Army owned its narratives, acknowledging setbacks, providing facts, explaining corrective actions, and maintaining consistency. “While difficult, this approach helped establish credibility and neutralize misinformation,” he said.
Read Also:
Explaining how the Nigerian Army launched a local radio station in Borno State to engage communities directly and counter false narratives about military operations, General Kukasheka said: “Transparency is not weakness; it is a strategic strength.”
He emphasized that credibility is earned during calm periods, not only during crises. “The credibility you have in crisis is the one you have built when it was calm,” he noted.
Kukasheka further advised public relations professionals to combine honesty, credibility, and innovative communication strategies. “PR is no longer just about image management. It is reputation leadership—the credible voice in an age of chaos,” he said.
He added that communicators must understand their audiences, be grounded, and connect with authenticity while blending innovation with integrity. “Professional reputation is the greatest capital in PR practice,” he emphasized.
In celebrating the FCT NIPR 35 years, General Kukasheka urged participants to commit to professionalism and excellence. “In an era where misinformation thrives and institutions are constantly tested, credible communication remains Nigeria’s most vital public relations solution,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the FCT NIPR Chapter, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, lauded General Kukasheka for his candid insights and for sharing the Nigerian Army’s approach to strategic communication. .
Ogadigo emphasized that the NIPR FCT Chapter remains committed to equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern communication.
He highlighted that events like the PR Solution Spotlight provide a vital platform for learning, networking, and fostering innovation in the practice of public relations.
“As we celebrate 35 years of our Chapter, we renew our commitment to advancing professionalism, integrity, and excellence in every aspect of our work,” he added.
