The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR) and Nigerian Army spokesperson, with an Award of Recognition and appointed him Patron of the association.
The award was presented at the 2026 DECAN Conference and Awards Ceremony held on Monday, October 12, in Abuja, bringing together serving and retired military officers, defence correspondents, security stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community.
Usman, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was represented by his son, Dr. Usman Sani Usman, who received the award on his behalf. The decoration was performed by former Vice President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Samuel Sam-Sumana.
DECAN said the honour recognised the retired general’s contributions to military-media relations, particularly his efforts to promote open engagement with defence correspondents, reporters and editors during his tenure as Army spokesperson.
The association noted that Usman helped strengthen professional relationships between the military and the media during a critical period of counter-insurgency operations, while continuing to mentor and engage defence journalists after retirement.
Reacting to the recognition, Usman described the award as a humbling honour and expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of DECAN for acknowledging his contributions to military-media relations.
“I sincerely appreciate the leadership and entire membership of DECAN for this thoughtful recognition and honour. It further strengthens my commitment to promoting professionalism, mutual understanding and constructive military-media relations in the interest of national security and the positive image of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said in a statement.
He also offered prayers for his son, who represented him at the ceremony, saying: “As for my able and worthy representative, may you be honoured, amen.”
Usman served as Director of Army Public Relations from 2015 to 2019, a period marked by sustained military operations against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
He was credited with strengthening the Nigerian Army’s information management and crisis communication strategies, as well as fostering greater engagement between military authorities and civilian media practitioners.
Since retiring from active military service, he has remained involved in security discourse, strategic communication and civil-military relations, while serving as a consultant to various organisations.
The 2026 DECAN Conference also featured presentations on national security, media professionalism and veterans’ welfare, alongside awards recognising individuals and institutions for their contributions to defence reporting in Nigeria.
