Army Seeks Public Support for Troops, Warns Against Misinformation
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian Army has called on Nigerians to support troops deployed across various theatres of operation by recognising their sacrifices and refraining from spreading negative and misleading narratives capable of undermining their morale.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, made the appeal on Wednesday 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 growing spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media had become a major challenge to national security, noting that although technology had transformed communication, it had also created platforms for the rapid circulation of false information.
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She cited the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oyo State, where an Army officer, a soldier and a police officer lost their lives, as evidence of the daily sacrifices made by security personnel 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 support responsible reportage, stressing that official statements are only issued after due verification of facts.
She also urged defence correspondents to uphold the principles of factual, balanced and responsible journalism, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the media in promoting public understanding of military operations and national security.
Earlier, the President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN, Odita Sunday, congratulated Anele on her appointment as the first female spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, describing the achievement as a reflection of her professionalism, competence and years of dedicated service.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to balanced, factual and responsible reporting of defence and security matters, while commending the Nigerian Army for the sacrifices of its personnel in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and tackling 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 enhanced professionalism and improved the quality of military reporting.
He appealed for stronger 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, closer cooperation between the military and defence correspondents would strengthen public confidence in the Armed Forces, promote patriotism and ensure Nigerians receive credible and timely information on the activities of the Nigerian Army.
