The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called for stronger cooperation between the military and journalists, saying the media plays an important role in protecting national security.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said this during an interactive meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by its Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, who visited the NAF Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.
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Air Commodore Ejodame described journalists as key partners in promoting peace, unity, and public trust. He compared the relationship between the Air Force and the media to a marriage based on trust, honesty, and open communication.
“When you call yourselves frontline workers, that is exactly how we see you in the Air Force. We both work with information that can save lives,” he said.
He explained that not all information about military operations can be made public because doing so might put lives or missions at risk.
“In military operations, information is intelligence. Even simple details like casualty figures or troop movements can be dangerous if shared carelessly,” he warned.
“When we refuse to release certain details, it’s not because of secrecy or arrogance—it’s to protect lives.”
Air Commodore Ejodame also urged journalists to always verify information, especially in this era of fake news and social media misinformation. He said wrong or rushed reports can help enemies or harm national security.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force is changing into a smarter and more people-focused force, using advanced technology to ensure precision and protect civilians during operations.
“The Air Force is not just about bombs and bullets. We are building a smarter, more precise force that values civilian safety,” he said.
He added that NAF is open to working with the NUJ on training and capacity building to promote responsible defense and security reporting.
“We look forward to partnering with the NUJ to strengthen understanding between the military and the media,” he said.
In her remarks, Ms. Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, praised the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and successes in national security.
She assured that the NUJ remains committed to objective and responsible journalism that supports national unity and development.
The visit, she said, aimed to build a stronger partnership between journalists and the Air Force, especially in fighting fake news and improving public awareness on security issues.
“The Nigerian Air Force plays a vital role in ensuring national security. We believe open communication between the media and the military helps build public trust and fight misinformation,” she said.
Ms. Ike also congratulated the NAF Football Team for winning the recent NUJ FCT Football Tournament, saying their victory showed the Air Force’s discipline, teamwork, and excellence.