NAF Chief Urges Strategic Communication, Crisis Management Skills To Boost Public Trust
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has stressed the importance of strategic communication and effective crisis management in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) operational effectiveness and public confidence.
Aneke, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, made the assertion on Monday while declaring open the 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Enhancing Strategic Media Operations of Nigerian Air Force Public Relations and Information Personnel Through Capacity Building in Crisis Management Skills,” the CAS said the increasingly complex information environment, coupled with the spread of misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives, had made effective communication an operational necessity.
He described NAF Information Officers as strategic communicators whose responsibilities extend beyond issuing press releases and organising media engagements to shaping public understanding of military operations, projecting professionalism, preserving institutional credibility and strengthening public trust.
Aneke urged participants to use the workshop to deepen their knowledge of strategic and crisis communication, media relations, digital engagement and information management, and apply the lessons across NAF formations and units.
He reaffirmed that professionalism, operational effectiveness and institutional excellence remained central to his Command Philosophy, stressing that operational successes must be communicated accurately, responsibly and strategically.
The CAS also called for greater capacity to engage stakeholders, counter misinformation and manage crises effectively while maintaining operational security.
The keynote speaker and Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, outlined 10 principles for effective military communication, including building relationships with journalists before crises, prioritising credibility over publicity, ensuring accuracy, preparing clear crisis communication protocols and making authorised spokespersons accessible.
Ndace cautioned Information Officers against compromising operational security in the pursuit of transparency and warned about the growing use of artificial intelligence to fabricate videos, voices and statements attributed to the NAF.
He further introduced the 5Cs framework—Clarity, Credibility, Consistency, Compassion and Continuity—as a guide for effective crisis communication.
He advised officers to establish facts and provide regular updates during crises, counter dangerous misinformation, and conduct post-crisis reviews to strengthen future communication strategies and rebuild damaged relationships.
Ndace said every crisis should ultimately provide an opportunity for the NAF to improve its communication systems and reinforce public trust.
