NAF Tasks Information Officers to Leverage Strategic Communication for Operational Success

Oru Leonard

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has charged its Public Relations and Information personnel to strengthen their strategic communication capabilities and leverage the power of information to support military operations, manage crises and sustain public confidence in the Service.

The charge was given as the NAF commenced its 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers at Headquarters NAF, Abuja.

The two-day workshop, themed “Enhancing Strategic Media Operations of NAF Public Relations and Information Personnel Through Capacity Building in Crisis Management Skills,” is focused on equipping participants with contemporary skills required to operate effectively in an increasingly complex information environment.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, said the rapid spread of news, misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives had created new challenges for military operations and public confidence.

Aneke stressed that effective communication had moved beyond being merely supportive to becoming an operational necessity capable of contributing directly to mission success.
He urged NAF Information Officers to see themselves as strategic communicators responsible for shaping public understanding of military operations, projecting professionalism, protecting the credibility of the Service and strengthening public trust.

According to him, operational success must not only be achieved but must also be communicated purposefully, responsibly and effectively to both internal and external audiences.

The CAS noted that strategic communication remained integral to his Command Philosophy, which prioritises professionalism, operational effectiveness and institutional excellence.

He said the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ competencies in strategic communication, crisis management, media relations, digital engagement and information management, while urging them to apply the knowledge gained to improve professional performance across NAF formations and units.

Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said continuous professional development had become imperative given the rapidly changing media environment and the increasing complexity of security operations.

Ejodame said the responsibility of NAF Information Officers extended beyond disseminating information, stressing the need to ensure that every communication promotes understanding, reinforces confidence and supports the operational objectives of the Service.

He explained that the workshop would enhance the ability of personnel to communicate effectively before, during and after crises while ensuring that NAF communication remains credible, timely, coordinated and strategically aligned with operational objectives.

A major highlight of the opening session was a paper delivered by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji Baba Ndache, who shared insights on contemporary media operations, strategic communication and information management during crises.

The workshop also attracted former NAF spokespersons, including retired Air Commodores Yusuf Anas and Ozomina, as well as retired Air Vice Marshals Olatokunbo Adesanya and Ibikunle Daramola.

Branch Chiefs, serving NAF spokespersons and Information Officers from formations and units across the country also participated in the event.

Their participation provided an opportunity for institutional knowledge transfer, professional interaction and the sharing of experiences in managing complex information environments and sensitive security communications.

The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by DOPRI to build the professional capacity of NAF public relations and information personnel, strengthen the Service’s ability to counter misinformation, engage stakeholders effectively and manage communication during crises.

The NAF said the initiative is expected to further reinforce a responsive, credible and strategically aligned communication architecture capable of supporting operational effectiveness, institutional confidence and national security objectives.

Source: Nigerian Air Force — 24 August 2026