Army Urges Nigerians to Support Troops, Reject Negative Social Media Narratives
The Nigerian Army has appealed to Nigerians to support troops deployed across various theatres of operation by rejecting negative and misleading narratives on social media, warning that misinformation and disinformation undermine the morale of personnel risking their lives to safeguard the country.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel 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 widespread circulation of false and misleading information on social media had become a serious challenge to national security, noting that while digital platforms have transformed communication, they have also enabled the rapid spread of misinformation.
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 a reminder of the sacrifices security personnel make daily in defence of the nation.
“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.
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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 released only after facts have been thoroughly confirmed.
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, DECAN President, Mr Sunday Odita, 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 years of dedicated service.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to accurate and balanced reporting of defence and security issues while commending the Nigerian Army for the sacrifices of its personnel in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
Odita also lauded the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising capacity-building workshops for defence correspondents and Army spokespersons, describing the initiative as essential to improving professional reporting of military activities.
He called for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian 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 and timely information on the activities of the Nigerian Army.
