The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to strengthen national security.
Ehimen Ejodame, NAF director of public relations and information, spoke on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), federal capital territory (FCT) chapter.
Ejodame described journalists as allies in the quest for peace, unity, and public confidence in national institutions.
“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.
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“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.”
Ejodame said information management during military operations must be discreet so as not to jeopardise national security.
“In military operations, information is intelligence. A simple statistic like casualty figures or troop movements can compromise operations if mishandled,” he said.
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“When we decline to provide certain details, it is not secrecy or arrogance; it is often a matter of protecting lives.”
The NAF spokesperson said the air force is evolving and is employing high technology in its operations.
“The Nigerian Air Force is not just about bombs and bullets. We are developing an Amair force that deploys smarter air power technology-driven, precise, and sensitive to civilian safety. Our focus now is on smarter operations and the protection of communities.
“We look forward to working closely with the NUJ to build capacity in responsible reporting and strengthen understanding between the military and the media.”
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Grace Ike, chairperson of the NUJ in the FCT, said the union is committed to responsible journalism for the country’s development.
“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,” she said.
“We believe that open communication between the military and the media is key to building public trust and combating misinformation.”
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