The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding between the military and the media, emphasizing that journalists are critical partners in protecting national security and fostering public confidence.
The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the call on Thursday during an interactive session with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, who paid a courtesy visit to the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Air Commodore Ejodame described journalists as vital allies in promoting peace, unity, and credible information dissemination. He likened 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 stressed that information management during military operations must be approached with caution, as the release of sensitive details such as troop movements or casualty figures could endanger missions and personnel.
“In military operations, information is intelligence. When we withhold certain details, it’s not out of secrecy or arrogance; it’s about protecting lives,” he explained.
Ejodame further cautioned that in an era of misinformation and fake news, journalists have an even greater responsibility to verify and contextualize security-related reports. He warned that inaccurate publications could inadvertently aid insurgents or undermine national efforts.
The NAF spokesperson noted that the Air Force is evolving into a smarter, more technology-driven and people-focused force, prioritizing precision, intelligence, and civilian safety in its operations.
“The Nigerian Air Force is not just about bombs and bullets. We are building a force that is smarter, more precise, and sensitive to civilian safety,” he said.
He also expressed NAF’s willingness to collaborate with the NUJ on media training and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving defense and security reporting.
“We look forward to working closely with the NUJ to enhance understanding between the military and the media,” he added.
Earlier, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and contributions to national security. She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to objective and responsible journalism in the interest of national unity and development.
Ms. Ike noted that the visit was part of efforts to strengthen the partnership between the media and the military in areas such as information management, countering fake news, and public enlightenment on security issues.
“The Nigerian Air Force continues to play a vital role in national security. Open communication between the military and the media is key to building public trust and combating misinformation,” she stated.
She also congratulated the NAF Football Team for emerging champions of the just-concluded NUJ FCT Football Tournament, describing the victory as a reflection of discipline, teamwork, and excellence — values that mirror those of the Nigerian Air Force.
The visit provided a platform for both parties to explore avenues for collaboration, particularly in promoting credible, fact-based journalism and enhancing national security awareness.