By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has urged the media to strengthen its partnership with the military in promoting national security and public trust, stressing that journalists are vital partners in the collective effort to safeguard the nation.
Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja 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.
Air Commodore Ejodame described the media as an indispensable ally in fostering peace, unity, and confidence in national institutions, noting that both the military and the press share a common responsibility of managing information that affects lives.
“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.
He likened the relationship between the media and the Air Force to “a marriage built on trust, honesty, and understanding,” adding that while some issues should be publicly discussed, others require discretion in the interest of national security.
Ejodame cautioned that the careless release of operational details could compromise missions or endanger troops.
“In military operations, information is intelligence. A simple statistic like casualty figures or troop movements can compromise operations if mishandled, When we decline to provide certain details, it is not secrecy or arrogance; it’s often a matter of protecting lives,” he explained.
He emphasized the crucial role of the media in countering misinformation, especially in an era dominated by fake news and unverified social media content.
“In this era of fake news and social media misinformation, journalists have an even greater responsibility to verify and contextualize reports related to national security, Premature or inaccurate publications can serve the interests of insurgents or other hostile groups,” he said.
The NAF spokesperson noted that the Force is evolving into a smarter, technology-driven, and people-focused organization that prioritizes 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 is technology-driven, precise, and sensitive to civilian safety. Our focus now is on smarter operations and the protection of communities,” Ejodame stated.
He further disclosed that the Air Force is open to partnerships with the NUJ in training and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving 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 added.
In her remarks, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, commended the Air Force for its professionalism and contributions to national security, saying the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between both institutions.
“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. Open communication between the military and the media is key to building public trust and combating misinformation,” she said.
She expressed the union’s readiness to collaborate with the NAF on media training, public enlightenment, and capacity building to enhance professionalism and mutual understanding.
Ike also congratulated the Nigerian Air Force Football Team on winning the NUJ FCT Football Tournament, describing the victory as “a reflection of discipline, teamwork, and excellence, qualities that mirror the values of the Air Force.”
The meeting provided a platform for both parties to explore new areas of cooperation in information management, countering fake news, and promoting credible, fact-based journalism in support of national unity and security.