By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
ABUJA — The Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration with defence correspondents and called on Nigerians to reject misinformation, support security personnel and rely on verified information from official sources.
The call was made separately in Abuja when the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) paid courtesy visits to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army and the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking during the engagements, DECAN President, Mr. Odita Sunday, congratulated Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame and Col. Appolonia Anele on their appointments and commended the Armed Forces for the sacrifices being made in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats across the country.
Odita reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, while calling for deeper collaboration through regular media briefings, operational engagements, capacity-building programmes and improved access to information.
He also disclosed that arrangements were being concluded for the launch of The Defence Correspondent Journal and expressed optimism that the military would support the initiative.
At the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ejodame, stressed the importance of public confidence in official military communications, saying every statement issued by the Service is guided by facts and can be defended at any time.
He lamented that despite efforts by the Air Force to provide accurate information, some members of the public still doubt official statements released by the Service.
Recalling a personal experience, Ejodame narrated how his father once questioned the authenticity of an official statement issued by the Air Force, jokingly suggesting that it was merely what his son had been directed to say.
According to him, the experience strengthened his resolve to ensure that every statement issued by the Directorate remains factual, accurate and verifiable.
“Since I became Director of Public Relations and Information, I cannot remember issuing any statement that was not truthful. Everything we release is something we can confidently defend today or even twenty years from now,” he said.
Ejodame commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and commitment to verifying information before publication, noting that such restraint has helped prevent the spread of misinformation and enhanced national security.
He described defence correspondents as strategic partners, adding that modern conflicts are increasingly influenced by information management and public perception.
“For that reason, collaboration with you is not optional; it is essential. I have always regarded you as partners,” he stated.
Responding to requests for greater access to operational theatres, the Air Commodore explained that while the Air Force remains open to expanding media engagement, operational and security considerations as well as inter-agency approval processes sometimes limit such access.
At the Army Headquarters, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of troops deployed across various theatres of operation instead of promoting narratives capable of undermining their morale.
She described the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media as a major challenge to national security, warning that false narratives often distort the realities faced by troops on the frontlines.
Anele cited a recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oyo State, during which an Army officer, a soldier and a police officer lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
She said it was disheartening that despite such sacrifices, some individuals continue to portray the military as doing little or nothing to address the country’s security challenges.
“It is painful when, after making such sacrifices, people go on social media to claim that the military is doing nothing. Such narratives are discouraging and affect the morale of personnel who are risking everything to keep Nigeria safe,” she said.
The Army spokesperson assured journalists that the Directorate of Army Public Relations would continue to provide timely, accurate and verified information to facilitate responsible reporting.
She also called on defence correspondents to remain committed to factual and balanced journalism, stressing that credible reporting plays a critical role in fostering public understanding of military operations.
Both military spokespersons warned that the circulation of false and unverified information could inadvertently aid terrorist and criminal groups by spreading fear, confusion and misinformation among the public.
They urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it and to support national security efforts through responsible communication.
The visits ended with the military authorities and DECAN reaffirming their commitment to sustaining a productive partnership aimed at promoting credible information, enhancing public understanding of military operations and strengthening national security.
