The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to promote accurate, credible and responsible reporting on military operations and national security issues.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the executive members of DECAN during a courtesy visit to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters.
Ejodame commended the association for its professionalism and continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that defence correspondents have consistently demonstrated responsibility by verifying sensitive information before publication.
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“There have been occasions when you received information but chose to withhold publication until we confirmed the facts. Rather than rush to publish unverified reports, you exercised restraint. That means a great deal, not only to the Nigerian Air Force but also to the nation,” he stated.
He described defence correspondents as strategic partners in national security, stressing that collaboration between the military and the media has become increasingly important as modern conflicts are fought not only on the battlefield but also in the information domain.
“For that reason, collaboration with you is not optional; it is essential. I have always regarded you as partners,” he disclosed.
Addressing requests for greater media access to operational theatres, Ejodame explained that while the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to expanding engagement with journalists, operational, administrative and security considerations, as well as inter-agency approval processes, often limit such access.
He also acknowledged the financial implications of strategic communication, noting that available resources must be carefully balanced with other critical operational priorities, including equipment procurement, ammunition, troop welfare and ongoing military operations.
The Air Commodore reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to credible public communication, saying every official statement issued by the Nigerian Air Force is fact-based and can be defended at any time.
He urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, warning that the spread of unverified reports and misinformation could inadvertently aid terrorist groups by creating fear and confusion.
Earlier, DECAN President, Mr Odita Sunday, congratulated Ejodame on his appointment and commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other security threats across the country.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ethical, fair and responsible journalism and called for deeper collaboration through regular media briefings, improved access to information, operational engagements where appropriate, and capacity-building programmes for defence correspondents.
Sunday also disclosed that DECAN was finalising arrangements for the launch of The Defence Correspondent Journal and expressed optimism that the Nigerian Air Force would support the initiative.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustaining a productive partnership aimed at promoting credible information, enhancing public understanding of military operations and supporting national security.
