Nigerian Army Calls for End to False Social Media Narratives
The Nigerian Army has issued a call to citizens to refrain from disseminating false and misleading narratives on social media that negatively impact the morale of its troops. Col. Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, made this appeal during a meeting with the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja. She pointed out that the spread of misinformation has become a significant challenge to national security, despite the benefits of digital technology in communication.
Anele stressed that troops engaged in various operations deserve encouragement rather than criticism based on inaccuracies. She referenced a recent rescue operation in Oyo State, where an Army officer, a soldier, and a police officer lost their lives, underscoring the sacrifices made by military personnel. Anele expressed her frustration over social media claims that the military is ineffective, stating that such narratives are disheartening and detrimental to the morale of those risking their lives for the nation's safety.
To combat misinformation, Anele assured journalists that the Directorate of Army Public Relations is committed to providing timely, accurate, and verified information to support responsible reporting. She emphasized that official statements are issued only after thorough fact-checking to maintain credibility and public trust.
The DECAN President, Mr. Sunday Odita, congratulated Anele on her appointment as the first female spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, recognizing her professionalism and dedication. He reiterated DECAN's commitment to responsible reporting on defense and security matters and praised the Army for its personnel's sacrifices in protecting Nigeria from various threats.
Odita also commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organizing workshops aimed at enhancing the reporting skills of defense correspondents and Army spokespersons. He called for deeper collaboration between the military and the media, advocating for regular engagements, timely information dissemination, and increased operational briefings to bolster public confidence in the Armed Forces.
