The Nigerian Army has urged Nigerians to desist from spreading false and misleading narratives capable of undermining the morale of troops on social media, saying personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices to safeguard the country.
The acting director of Army public relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, made this appeal while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, urging them to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of personnel deployed across various theatres of operation in defence of the nation.
She noted that while digital technology had transformed communication, it had also created avenues for the rapid dissemination of false information capable of eroding public confidence in security institutions.
The army spokesperson said troops deployed across various theatres of operation deserved encouragement and appreciation rather than criticism founded on misinformation.
“The growing spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation on social media poses a serious threat to national security, warning that false information erodes public trust and discourages security personnel,” Anele said.
She cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Oyo State, during which an army officer, a soldier, and a police officer lost their lives, as evidence of the daily sacrifices made by security personnel.
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,” Anele said.
She assured defence correspondents of the army’s commitment to providing timely, accurate, and verified information to support responsible journalism and urged journalists covering the defence sector to remain factual, balanced, and professional in their reporting.
The president of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Mr. Odita Sunday, congratulated Anele on her appointment as the first female spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, describing it as a reflection of her professionalism and dedication.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to balanced and responsible reporting on defence and security issues and called for stronger collaboration between the army and the media to enhance public access to credible information on military operations.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
