The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has emphasized the necessity for enhanced cooperation and mutual respect between the military and the press, highlighting the indispensable role journalists play as key partners in maintaining national security.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) for the Nigerian Air Force, conveyed this message during a productive engagement with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, who visited the NAF Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Describing journalists as essential collaborators in fostering peace, unity, and public trust in government institutions, the NAF spokesperson compared the relationship between the Air Force and the media to a partnership grounded in trust, respect, and transparent communication.
“You identify yourselves as frontline workers, and that is precisely how we regard you within the Air Force. Although we operate in different domains, both our roles revolve around handling information that can protect lives,” he remarked.
“Our interaction with the media resembles a marriage-built on honesty, trust, and understanding. While some information is meant for public knowledge, other details require careful discretion,” he added.
Ejodame further explained the critical importance of managing information during military operations, cautioning that releasing sensitive data could compromise missions or put personnel at risk.
“In the context of military engagements, information equates to intelligence. Even seemingly simple data like casualty numbers or troop deployments, if mishandled, can undermine operational security,” he warned.
“When we withhold certain information, it is not out of secrecy or arrogance but a necessary measure to safeguard lives.”
He also underscored the heightened responsibility journalists bear in today’s climate of rampant misinformation and social media rumors, urging them to verify and provide context for reports related to national security.
“Publishing unverified or premature information can unintentionally aid insurgents or adversarial groups,” he noted.
Consequently, he called on the media to prioritize national interests and the safety of security forces when covering sensitive topics.
The NAF representative highlighted the Air Force’s ongoing transformation into a more technologically advanced and community-conscious force, focusing on precision, intelligence, and civilian protection in all operations.
“The Nigerian Air Force is evolving beyond traditional warfare. We are building a force that leverages smart air power, technology, and precision, with a strong commitment to safeguarding civilian lives,” he explained.
“Our current priority is conducting smarter missions that protect communities,” he emphasized, adding that the NAF values continuous engagement with the public and is eager to collaborate with the NUJ on training programs and capacity-building efforts to improve defense and security journalism.
“We anticipate a close partnership with the NUJ to foster responsible reporting and deepen mutual understanding between the military and the media,” he concluded.
Earlier in the meeting, Ms. Grace Ike, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, praised the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and recent achievements in securing the nation.
She reiterated the union’s dedication to impartial and responsible journalism aimed at promoting national cohesion and progress.
The visit served as a platform for both organizations to identify collaborative opportunities, especially in combating misinformation and advancing credible, fact-based reporting.
Ms. Ike emphasized that the engagement was designed to strengthen ties between the media and the Nigerian Air Force, focusing on effective information management, countering fake news, and raising public awareness on security matters.
“The Nigerian Air Force continues to be a cornerstone of national security and unity. As journalists, we recognize the critical role of responsible reporting during periods of conflict and insecurity,” she stated.
“We believe that transparent communication between the military and the press is essential for building public confidence and fighting misinformation,” she added.
She expressed the union’s willingness to partner with the Air Force on media training, capacity enhancement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, noting that such collaboration would boost professionalism and foster mutual respect.
Ms. Ike also congratulated the Nigerian Air Force Football Team on their triumph in the recent NUJ FCT Football Tournament, highlighting that their success exemplifies the discipline, teamwork, and excellence that reflect the core values of the Nigerian Air Force.
