The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially launched the Basic Information Young Officers Course (BIYOC), a specialized three-month program designed to integrate strategic communication into modern combat operations.
​The pioneer session, which commenced on January 18, 2026, at the School of Public Relations and Information in Kaduna, includes 11 participants—ten Flying Officers and one Pilot Officer—selected from various units across the country.
​A Shift in Modern Warfare Strategy
The initiative is a direct result of the Command Philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke. Under his leadership, the NAF is prioritizing capacity building to address the “evolving character of modern warfare,” where the management of information and public perception is now viewed as a decisive operational domain.
​By developing in-house expertise, the NAF aims to align its communication strategies with specific doctrinal and institutional requirements, rather than relying on generalized training.
​Beyond Traditional Media
During an interactive lecture, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, challenged the officers to look beyond basic journalism.
​”Contemporary military communication extends beyond scripting, photography, or media engagements,” Ejodame stated. He emphasized that the primary goal is the “strategic shaping of narratives” to directly support active military operations.
​Institutional Impact
The Commandant of the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM), Air Commodore Isaiah Taiwo, noted that the training is critical for mission success.
​The BIYOC program marks a formalized effort by the NAF to:
- ​Enhance professional standards within the officer corps.
- ​Strengthen civil-military relations.
- ​Bolster public trust through transparent and mission-oriented communication.
​The course is expected to conclude in April 2026, producing a new cadre of officers equipped to handle the complexities of the information-driven security landscape.
