Army, Defence Correspondents Seek Stronger Partnership Against Misinformation

By Harriet Tornguvan

The Nigerian Army has called on Nigerians to support troops engaged in counter insurgency and other security operations across the country by encouraging them rather than spreading negative and misleading narratives on social media that could undermine their morale.

The appeal was made by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Anele expressed concern over the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation on social media, describing it as a serious threat to national security. She noted that while advances in technology have improved communication, they have also made it easier for false information to spread rapidly.

She stressed that security personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices in the line of duty, often at the cost of their lives, to protect Nigerians and preserve the country's territorial integrity.

The Army spokesperson cited the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oyo State, during which an Army officer, a soldier and a police officer were killed, as an example of the risks security personnel face daily.

"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.

Anele assured journalists that the Directorate of Army Public Relations would continue to provide timely, accurate and verified information to support responsible reporting, emphasizing that official statements are only released after facts have been properly verified.

She also urged defence correspondents to uphold the principles of factual, balanced and responsible journalism while 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, President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, 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 DECAN's commitment to objective, balanced and factual reporting of defence and security issues, while commending the Nigerian Army for the sacrifices made by its personnel in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

Sunday also praised the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising capacity building workshops for defence correspondents and Army spokespersons, saying the initiative had strengthened professionalism and improved the accuracy of military reporting.

He further appealed for enhanced 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, accurate and timely information on the activities of the Nigerian Army.