The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has decried the growing menace of misinformation, disinformation, and hostile narratives surrounding military operations, warning that these digital threats directly undermine public confidence and national security.
​Air Marshal Aneke made these remarks on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers.
The workshop, held at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja, was themed “Enhancing Strategic Media Operations of Nigerian Air Force Public Relations and Information Personnel Through Capacity Building in Crisis Management Skills.”
​The Air Chief, who was represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Yaro Abdullahi, highlighted the evolving challenges of modern warfare and communication.
​”Today’s information environment is increasingly complex, dynamic, and highly contested,” Aneke stated. “News travels at unprecedented speed, while misinformation, disinformation, and hostile narratives continue to challenge military operations and public confidence. In such an environment, effective public communication is no longer merely supportive; it is an operational necessity that contributes directly to mission success.”
​He tasked NAF information officers to step up as strategic communicators responsible for preserving institutional credibility, projecting professionalism, and shaping accurate public understanding of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame (Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF), delivered the welcome address, emphasizing that military operations are now contested in the information domain as fiercely as on the physical battlefield. He noted that while a well-timed, transparent update can reinforce public trust, a single careless message can erode years of credibility.
Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace (Director-General, Voice of Nigeria): Presented a paper titled “Building and Maintaining Strategic Media Relationships: Best Practices for NAF Public Relations and Information Officers,” highlighting strategic communication as a critical force multiplier in modern security setups.
​Air Marshal Aneke urged all participants to ensure that every crisis response and public engagement reflects strict accuracy, integrity, and timeliness to safeguard both troops and citizens.
