By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Army has appealed to Nigerians to support troops fighting insecurity across the country by encouraging them rather than spreading narratives capable of undermining their morale and operational effectiveness.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters.
Anele said the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media had become a major challenge to national security, warning that false reports often diminish the sacrifices made by military personnel on the frontlines.
She cited the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oyo State, during which an Army officer, a soldier and a police officer lost their lives, as evidence of the risks security personnel undertake daily to protect Nigerians.
“It is painful when, after making such sacrifices, people go on social media to claim that the military is doing nothing. Such narratives are discouraging and affect the morale of personnel who are risking everything to keep Nigeria safe,” she said.
The Army spokesperson assured journalists that the Directorate of Army Public Relations would continue to provide timely, accurate and verified information to support responsible reporting, stressing that official statements are issued only after facts have been confirmed.
She urged defence correspondents to uphold the principles of factual, balanced and responsible journalism, while reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the media in promoting public understanding of military operations and national security.
Earlier, President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Mr Odita Sunday, congratulated Anele on her appointment as the first female spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, describing the milestone as a reflection of her professionalism, competence and dedication to service.
He reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to ethical and factual reporting of defence and security issues, while commending the Nigerian Army for the sacrifices of its personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
Sunday also praised the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising capacity-building workshops for defence correspondents and Army spokespersons, saying the initiative had improved professionalism and accuracy in reporting military activities.
He called for deeper collaboration between the Army and the media through regular engagements, timely dissemination of information, increased operational briefings, media embedment opportunities and support for the establishment of a Defence Correspondents Press Centre.
According to him, stronger cooperation between the military and defence correspondents would boost public confidence in the Armed Forces, promote patriotism and ensure Nigerians receive credible and timely information on the activities of the Nigerian Army.