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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

“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.’

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

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

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

“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.

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

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

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

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

“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.

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

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.

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.

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

By David Torough, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has held a one-day strategic retreat with the leadership of various military veterans’ associations to strengthen collaboration, improve the welfare of retired personnel, and reinforce their role in national development.

The retreat, held at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja, was organised in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO).

It brought together veteran leaders to discuss issues affecting retired service personnel and explore ways to enhance their welfare.

Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said the Defence Headquarters remained committed to maintaining open dialogue with military veterans, describing engagement as the most effective means of addressing their concerns.

He said the welfare of veterans remained a top priority under the leadership of the CDS and assured participants that efforts were underway to implement the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory processes.

Abdussalam also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, while urging veterans to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism.

He further assured the retired personnel that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare services, timely pension payments and enhanced welfare packages for veterans.

The retreat also highlighted the need for stronger cooperation among veterans’ organisations and encouraged retired military personnel to remain actively involved in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting national unity and security.

The Defence Headquarters said the engagement reflected its continued commitment to strengthening ties with veterans while recognising their contributions to national defence and development.

CDS Reaffirms Nigeria–United States Defence Cooperation

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, GCOR, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States of America.

The CDS made this known during a courtesy visit by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The Chief of Defence Staff was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.

Speaking on behalf of the CDS, Air Vice Marshal Edosa warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and described the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United States as one founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security. He acknowledged the United States’ continued support to Nigeria in the areas of military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism and institutional development.

The representative of the CDS noted that the evolving security landscape across Africa demands stronger international collaboration, stressing that strategic partnerships remain essential in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats. He expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen bilateral defence cooperation and promote greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Air Vice Marshal Edosa further reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to professional excellence, regional stability and sustained engagement in pursuit of lasting peace and security within Nigeria and the wider African continent.

The United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, also expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded his delegation. He reaffirmed the commitment of the United States Government to strengthening its strategic relationship with Nigeria, recognising the country’s pivotal role in promoting peace, stability and security across West Africa and the African continent.

Garcia commended the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security challenges, while assuring the Defence Headquarters of the United States’ continued support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and strategic dialogue. The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on prevailing regional security issues, deepen mutual understanding and explore additional avenues for defence collaboration in advancing shared security objectives.

By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a truck conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road in a successful intelligence-led operation.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the operation was carried out on 9 July 2026 following actionable intelligence from a credible source.

The troops intercepted the vehicle and arrested its driver without incident.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit drugs were being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State.

However, the suspect was unable to provide satisfactory information regarding the ownership of the consignment or its intended recipient.

The Nigerian Army said the suspect and the recovered drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and prosecution. The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.

Commending the troops for the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised their vigilance, professionalism and operational effectiveness. He urged personnel to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny drug traffickers and other criminal elements freedom of action within the division’s area of responsibility.

The Army reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and other forms of criminality across the country.