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 of 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 support for the Air Force, noting that defence correspondents have consistently demonstrated restraint by verifying sensitive information before publication.
He said journalists covering the defence beat had on several occasions withheld reports until the Nigerian Air Force confirmed the facts, rather than rushing to publish unverified information.
“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 said.
Describing defence correspondents as strategic partners in national security, Ejodame said collaboration between the military and the media had become increasingly important as modern conflicts are fought both on the battlefield and in the information space.
“For that reason, collaboration with you is not optional; it is essential. I have always regarded you as partners,” he added.
Responding to calls for greater media access to operational theatres, the Air Commodore said the NAF remained committed to expanding engagement with journalists but explained that operational, administrative and security considerations, as well as inter-agency approval processes, often limited such access.
He also acknowledged the financial implications of strategic communication, saying available resources must be carefully balanced with other operational priorities, including procurement of equipment and ammunition, troop welfare and ongoing military operations.
Ejodame reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to truthful and credible public communication, stressing that every official statement issued by the Service is based on verifiable facts.
He urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that the spread of false and misleading reports could inadvertently aid terrorist groups by creating fear and misinformation.
Earlier, DECAN President, Mr Odita Sunday, congratulated Ejodame on his appointment and praised the Nigerian Air Force for its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats.
Sunday reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ethical 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.
He 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.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining a productive partnership aimed at promoting credible information, enhancing public understanding of military operations and contributing to national security.