The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding between the military and the media, describing journalists as strategic partners in the collective effort to safeguard national security and promote public trust.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, who paid a courtesy visit to the NAF Headquarters.
Air Commodore Ejodame commended journalists for their vital role in informing the public and shaping national discourse, likening the relationship between the Air Force and the media to a “marriage built on trust, honesty, and open communication.”
“When you call yourselves frontline workers, that is exactly how we see you in the Air Force. We operate in different spaces, but both of us deal with information that can save lives,” he said.
“Our relationship with the media is like a marriage — there must be trust, honesty, and understanding. Some conversations belong in the public domain, while others require discretion.”
He cautioned that information management during military operations must be handled with utmost care, stressing that releasing sensitive details could compromise missions or endanger personnel.
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“In military operations, information is intelligence. A simple statistic like casualty figures or troop movements can compromise operations if mishandled,” he said. “When we decline to provide certain details, it is not secrecy or arrogance; it’s often a matter of protecting lives.”
Ejodame further urged journalists to exercise greater responsibility in the age of misinformation, noting that premature or inaccurate publications could inadvertently aid insurgents or other hostile actors.
“In the era of fake news and social media misinformation, journalists have an even greater responsibility to verify and contextualize reports related to national security,” he noted.
He added that the NAF was evolving into a more technology-driven and people-focused force, prioritizing intelligence, precision, and the protection of civilians.
“The Nigerian Air Force is not just about bombs and bullets. We are developing an Air Force that deploys smarter air power — technology-driven, precise, and sensitive to civilian safety,” he explained. “Our focus now is on smarter operations and the protection of communities.”
The NAF spokesman also expressed readiness to partner with the NUJ on training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance professionalism in defense and security reporting.
“We look forward to working closely with the NUJ to build capacity in responsible reporting and strengthen understanding between the military and the media,” he said.
Earlier, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and contributions to national security, pledging the union’s commitment to accurate and responsible journalism.
“The Nigerian Air Force has continued to play a vital role in ensuring national security and unity. As journalists, we understand the importance of responsible reporting, especially in times of conflict and insecurity,” she said.
She added that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration in information management, countering fake news, and promoting credible, fact-based journalism.
Ms. Ike also congratulated the Nigerian Air Force Football Team for its victory in the recently concluded NUJ FCT Football Tournament, describing the win as a reflection of the discipline, teamwork, and excellence that define the NAF.
The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both parties to explore new areas of partnership, including media training, capacity building, and public enlightenment on national security issues.
