Air Force Chief Decries Misinformation, Hostile Narratives Undermining Military Operations

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has strongly condemned the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, and hostile narratives that increasingly surround military operations. He asserted that these digital challenges significantly erode public confidence and hinder the effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force's missions.

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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.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop in Abuja, Aneke, represented by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Yaro Abdullahi, described the current information environment as complex, dynamic, and highly contested. "News travels at unprecedented speed, while misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives continue to challenge military operations and public confidence," he noted.

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In such an environment, effective public communication is no longer merely supportive; it is an operational necessity that contributes directly to mission success.

Aneke emphasized that in such a landscape, effective public communication is not merely a supportive function but an "operational necessity" directly contributing to mission success. He stressed that Information Officers serve as the voice and image of the Nigerian Air Force, with responsibilities extending beyond traditional press releases and media engagements.

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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," Aneke stated. He urged officers to ensure every communication, engagement, and crisis response reflects accuracy, professionalism, integrity, and timeliness, reinforcing the need for proactive and credible communication strategies to counter evolving security challenges.

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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.