Air Chief Decries Misinformation, Hostile Narratives to Military Operations

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has decried the menace of misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives surrounding military operations, insisting that these digital vices undermined public confidence. Aneke made the condemnation yesterday while declaring open the 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Abuja. The CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Yaro Abdullahi, said, “Today’s information environment is increasingly complex, dynamic and highly contested. 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. “As Information Officers, you represent the voice and image of the Nigerian Air Force. Your responsibilities extend beyond issuing press releases and organising media engagements. “You are strategic communicators entrusted with shaping public understanding of our operations, projecting the professionalism of our personnel, preserving institutional credibility and strengthening public trust in the Service. “Every communication, every engagement and every response to a crisis must therefore reflect accuracy, professionalism, integrity and timeliness.” The Special Guest of Honour said the Service must remain proactive in communicating its activities with credibility, transparency and strategic intent while confronting evolving security challenges. “We must continually improve our ability to engage stakeholders, counter misinformation, manage crises effectively and reinforce public confidence in the Service. Together, we can build a public relations and information system that reflects the professionalism, discipline and operational excellence for which the Nigerian Air Force is renowned,” he said.