The Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Lt. Col. Onyinyechukwu Appolonia Anele, has pledged to strengthen ties between the Nigerian Army and the media, describing journalists as key partners in shaping public understanding of military operations.
Speaking during a media parley on Friday at the Nigerian Army Officers Mess, Onikan, Lagos, Lt. Col. Anele emphasized the importance of timely and transparent communication in countering misinformation and building public trust.
“There are times we have altercations with the larger society; we are Nigerians, and things do happen. We try to admonish our men as much as possible and make them realize that it is your tax that pays our salary,” she said. “We’re here to serve you, to defend you, not to brutalize or go against the public. So please, help us to tell our story. I am always available as much as possible.”
She highlighted the need for an effective feedback system, noting that unresponsiveness often fuels speculation and distrust.
“Most times, when it comes to the military, you hear things like, ‘All efforts to reach the DAPR proved abortive.’ Those are the narratives we want to end,” she said. “If you don’t give the media your side of the story, they will tell it for you and trust me, you may not like it.”
Lt. Col. Anele assured journalists that under her leadership, the Directorate would operate an open-door policy, committed to providing accurate and timely information. She also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting her with the historic role.
Appointed in an acting capacity on April 22, 2025, Lt. Col. Anele is the first woman in the history of the Nigerian Army and indeed, the military, to hold the position of Director of Army Public Relations.
A seasoned officer with a background in Mass Communication and two Master’s degrees, Anele joined the Army in 2007 through the Direct Regular Course 15. She has held several strategic positions, including serving as Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff under retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, at the Defence Space Administration, and within the Department of Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters.
Her experience includes international peacekeeping with the United Nations in Darfur, as well as professional training in Nigeria, Ghana, Sweden, Mali, and the United Kingdom. She is also a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment is being widely seen as a milestone in the Army’s drive towards gender inclusivity and improved public engagement.
With her commitment to accessibility, transparency, and closer media collaboration, the Army’s public relations efforts appear poised for a fresh, more open chapter.