Military appeals to citizens to refrain from spreading misleading online stories that undermine soldier morale

The Nigerian Army is calling on citizens to refrain from circulating false information on social media that could demoralize troops, as personnel continue to make significant sacrifices to protect the country.

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This appeal was made by Col. Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, during a meeting with the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

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Anele highlighted the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media as a major challenge to national security, noting that digital technology has created avenues for the rapid dissemination of false information that could erode public confidence in security institutions.

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She emphasized that troops deployed across various theatres of operation deserve encouragement and appreciation rather than criticism based on misinformation, recalling the recent rescue operation in Oyo State where an Army officer, a soldier, and a police officer made the ultimate sacrifice.

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Anele expressed disappointment that despite such sacrifices, some individuals take to social media to claim that the military is not doing enough, which she described as discouraging and affecting the morale of personnel who risk everything to keep Nigeria safe.

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She assured journalists that the Directorate of Army Public Relations would continue to provide timely, accurate, and verified information to support responsible reporting, issuing official statements only after thorough verification to ensure credibility and public confidence.

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Anele urged defence correspondents to remain committed to factual, balanced, and responsible journalism in the national interest, reaffirming the Nigerian Army's commitment to sustaining its partnership with the media in promoting public understanding of military operations and national security.

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Earlier, the President of DECAN, Mr Sunday Odita, congratulated Anele on her appointment as the Nigerian Army's first female spokesperson, describing it as a testament to her professionalism, competence, and years of dedicated service.

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Odita reaffirmed the association's commitment to responsible, balanced, and factual reporting of defence and security issues, 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.

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The DECAN president lauded the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organizing capacity-building workshops for defence correspondents and Army spokespersons, which has strengthened professional reporting of military activities and enhanced understanding between the military and the media.

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Odita appealed for deeper collaboration between the military and defence correspondents through regular engagements, timely dissemination of information, increased operational briefings, media embedment opportunities, and support for the establishment of a Defence Correspondents Press Centre.

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He believed that stronger cooperation between the military and defence correspondents would enhance public confidence in the Armed Forces and ensure Nigerians receive credible and timely information on military operations.