Nigerian Army and Air Force urge Nigerians to reject misinformation that undermines troops and unintentionally amplifies terrorist propaganda.
The Nigerian Army (NA) and the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have praised the priceless sacrifices of troops deployed across various theatres of operation, urging Nigerians to support personnel protecting lives and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity instead of undermining their morale through negative and misleading social media narratives.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, made the appeal while receiving the executive members of DECAN during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
She said the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media had become a major national security challenge, noting that while technology has transformed communication, it has also accelerated the circulation of false information.
Citing the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oyo State, during which an Army officer, a soldier and a police officer lost their lives, Anele described the incident as a reflection 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,” she said.
Anele assured journalists that the Directorate of Army Public Relations would continue to provide timely, accurate and verified information, while urging defence correspondents to sustain factual, balanced and responsible reporting.
Earlier, DECAN President, Mr. Odita Sunday, congratulated Anele on her appointment as the Nigerian Army’s first female spokesperson and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible and factual reporting.
He commended troops for their sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while calling for deeper Army-media collaboration through regular engagements.
Similarly, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, cautioned that members of the public sometimes unwittingly aid terrorist propaganda by sharing unverified content that spreads fear.
“There have been occasions when you received information but chose to withhold publication until we confirmed the facts. Rather than rush to publish unverified reports, you exercised restraint. That means a great deal, not only to the Nigerian Air Force but also to the nation,” he said.
Describing defence correspondents as strategic partners, Ejodame stressed that collaboration between the military and the media was indispensable in countering misinformation, adding: “For that reason, collaboration with you is not optional; it is essential. I have always regarded you as partners.”
He reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to credible public communication and urged journalists and the public to verify information before sharing it to avoid inadvertently advancing terrorist propaganda.
