Ignore Speculation, Have Faith in NAF, Air Force Spokesperson Urges Citizens

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has urged Nigerians to trust its official communications, saying every statement issued by the service is factual, verifiable and aimed at promoting national security.

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The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the appeal while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) on a courtesy visit to NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

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This is contained in a statement by the President of DECAN, Mr Sunday Odita, on Tuesday in Abuja.

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Ejodame said misinformation and public scepticism often undermine the efforts of the military, stressing that the NAF remained committed to truthfulness, accuracy and credibility in all its public communications.

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He illustrated the challenge with a personal story, recalling that even his father once doubted an official NAF statement because he believed it was merely what the military asked him to say.

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“There are times when people simply do not believe what we say, and that can be quite painful.

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“I remember joking with my father during a conversation about one of our official statements. He told a friend, ‘That is just what they asked my son to say.’

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“I had to ask him, ‘Even you don’t believe me?’ Yet I was telling the truth,” he said.

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Ejodame said the experience strengthened his resolve to ensure every statement issued by the Directorate could withstand public scrutiny at any time.

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“Since I became Director of Public Relations and Information, I cannot remember issuing any statement that was not truthful.

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“Everything we release is something we can confidently defend today or even twenty years from now. We stand by the accuracy of our communications,” he said.

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He urged Nigerians to rely on official information released by the Air Force instead of rumours, misinformation and unverified social media reports.

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According to him, the spread of false information can inadvertently aid terrorist groups by creating fear, confusion and distrust among citizens.

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The NAF spokesman also commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and commitment to verifying facts before publication.

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“There have been occasions when you received information but chose to withhold publication until we confirmed the facts.

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“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.

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Earlier, DECAN President, Odita commended the NAF for its sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats.

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Odita said the association remained committed to ethical and responsible defence reporting, while calling for stronger collaboration through regular media briefings, improved access to information, operational engagements and capacity-building programmes.

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He also disclosed that the association was concluding arrangements for the launch of The Defence Correspondent Journal and expressed optimism that the Nigerian Air Force would support the initiative.

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Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to promote credible information, enhance public understanding of military operations and contribute to national security.

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