The Nigerian Army has urged Nigerians to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of troops deployed across various theatres of operation by offering words of encouragement rather than undermining their morale through negative and misleading narratives on social media.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Appolonia Anele, made the appeal while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Anele said the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media had become a major challenge to national security, noting that while technology has transformed communication, it has also created channels for the rapid circulation of false and misleading information.
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 an example of the sacrifices security personnel make daily in defence of the country.
“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 facilitate responsible reporting, stressing that official statements are issued only after facts have been confirmed.
She also urged defence correspondents to remain committed to factual, balanced and responsible journalism, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining its longstanding partnership with the media in promoting public understanding of military operations and national security.
Earlier, DECAN President, Mr. Odita Sunday, congratulated Anele on her appointment as the first female spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, describing the milestone as a testament to her professionalism, competence and years of dedicated service.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible, balanced and factual reporting of defence and security issues, while commending the Nigerian Army for the sacrifices of its personnel in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
Sunday also lauded the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising capacity-building workshops for defence correspondents and Army spokespersons, describing the initiative as vital to improving accurate and professional reporting of military activities.
He appealed 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 enhance public confidence in the Armed Forces, promote patriotism and ensure Nigerians receive credible, accurate and timely information on the activities of the Nigerian Army.
