The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has underscored the critical role of strategic communication and crisis management in enhancing the operational effectiveness and public confidence of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Air Marshal Aneke stated this while declaring open the 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF), Abuja, on Sunday, 24 August 2026. The CAS was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi.
Speaking on the theme, “Enhancing Strategic Media Operations of Nigerian Air Force Public Relations and Information Personnel Through Capacity Building in Crisis Management Skills,” the CAS described the workshop as timely and relevant, noting that the contemporary information environment had become increasingly complex, dynamic and highly contested.
According to him, the rapid spread of information, coupled with the growing threat of misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives, has made effective public communication an operational necessity rather than merely a supporting function.
“As Information Officers, you represent the voice and image of the Nigerian Air Force,” he said, stressing that their responsibilities go beyond issuing press releases and organising media engagements.
He noted that NAF Information Officers are strategic communicators responsible for shaping public understanding of military operations, projecting the professionalism of personnel, preserving institutional credibility and strengthening public trust in the Service.
The CAS reiterated that professionalism, operational effectiveness and institutional excellence remained central pillars of his Command Philosophy, adding that a highly motivated, well-trained and mission-ready force was essential to delivering decisive air power in synergy with surface forces.
He emphasised that strategic communication was indispensable to this vision, stressing that operational successes must be communicated purposefully, responsibly, truthfully and effectively to internal and external audiences.
Air Marshal Aneke urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop, which he said was designed to expose them to contemporary trends in strategic communication, crisis communication, media relations, digital engagement and information management.
He called on the Information Officers to approach the sessions with open minds, actively contribute to discussions and translate the knowledge gained into improved professional performance across NAF formations and units.
The CAS also commended the Guest Lecturer, Moderator and Discussants for accepting to share their professional knowledge and experiences, expressing confidence that their contributions would enrich the deliberations and inspire participants towards greater professional excellence.
He equally praised the Director of Public Relations and Information and members of the Organising Committee for putting the workshop together, describing the initiative as a vital platform for professional development, innovation and institutional learning.
As the NAF continues to confront evolving security challenges, the CAS stressed the need for the Service to remain proactive in communicating its activities with credibility, transparency and strategic intent.
He said the NAF must continually strengthen its capacity to engage stakeholders, counter misinformation, manage crises effectively and reinforce public confidence in the Service.
“With a strong and professional public relations and information system, the Nigerian Air Force can continue to project the professionalism, discipline and operational excellence for which it is renowned,” he said.
Air Marshal Aneke thereafter formally declared the 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers open
The keynote speaker and Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has outlined ten working principles for Nigerian Air Force information officers, stressing the importance of building relationships with journalists before crises occur, prioritising credibility over publicity, and ensuring that speed of communication does not compromise accuracy.
He urged information officers to prepare for crises through clear communication protocols, understand the needs of different media platforms, and make authorised spokespersons accessible to journalists.
Ndace also advised officers to strengthen internal communication, listen to media narratives, avoid unnecessary confrontation with the press, and balance transparency with operational security.
He warned that information officers must be particularly cautious about materials published online, noting that artificial intelligence can now be used to fabricate videos, voices and statements attributed to the NAF within minutes.
Ndace further presented the 5Cs framework—Clarity, Credibility, Consistency, Compassion and Continuity—as a practical guide for effective crisis communication. He said information officers should communicate clearly, publish only verified information, ensure consistency across official channels, recognise the human consequences of crises and maintain communication as situations evolve.
Before a crisis, officers should know their journalists, train spokespersons, develop crisis scenarios and maintain strong internal communication. During a crisis, they should establish facts, activate communication teams, counter dangerous misinformation and provide regular updates, while after the crisis, they should review their response, release final verified information and rebuild any damaged relationships. He emphasised that every crisis should serve as a learning opportunity for improving the NAF's communication strategy and strengthening public trust.
