By Odita Sunday
In an era where the line between truth and falsehood has grown increasingly blurred, and where misinformation often spreads faster than facts, the Nigerian Army has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its relationship with the media and enhancing information management in national security operations. This initiative found powerful expression at the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar 2025, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja—an event that showcased a new chapter of synergy between the military and the media.
At the centre of it all was Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, whose vision, eloquence, and leadership infused the seminar with purpose and momentum. Her opening and closing addresses captured not only the strategic intent of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, NAM, nmi, but also the growing recognition that information is as powerful a weapon as any in modern warfare.
Themed “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of the Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,” the seminar assembled a rich mix of participants — senior officers from the Directorate of Army Public Relations, Defence correspondents, spokespersons of sister security organizations, veteran journalists, communication strategists, and erudite resource persons.
The essence of the event went far beyond technical training. It was an intellectual and patriotic convergence aimed at reinforcing the military-media synergy in the collective pursuit of national security. In her opening remarks, Lt. Colonel Anele set the tone by stressing that the media’s role has evolved beyond merely reporting events to shaping national narratives, influencing public opinion, countering misinformation, and mobilizing support for military operations.
“In today’s evolving security landscape,” she declared, “the role of the media is no longer just about reporting events. It is about shaping narratives, mobilizing public support, countering misinformation, and ultimately influencing the success of operations undertaken by the security agencies.”
Her words resonated deeply in a time when fake news, doctored images, and deepfakes have become tools in the hands of adversaries seeking to destabilize nations. She warned that warfare is no longer fought only with weapons but increasingly in the “information domain,” where hybrid threats, propaganda, and disinformation can erode public confidence and undermine the morale of troops.
The seminar’s objectives were firmly anchored in the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, which emphasizes “Consolidating the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
Lt. Colonel Anele highlighted this alignment, noting that effective communication, inter-agency cooperation, and professional media engagement are vital components of that transformation agenda. She pointed out that the media is not a bystander, but a strategic partner in securing the nation.
Through this initiative, the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) continues to pursue the vision of a credible, transparent, and proactive communication system that not only informs the public but also safeguards national security interests.
One of the recurring themes throughout the seminar was the imperative of fact-checking and verification in an era of digital disinformation. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the proliferation of deepfakes, and the weaponization of social media, Lt. Colonel Anele emphasized that “fake news now poses as much threat as enemy propaganda on the battlefield.”
She underscored the need for a responsible press corps that understands the security implications of its reporting, adding that the Nigerian Army remains committed to providing timely, credible, and verifiable information to enable responsible reportage.
The message was clear: in an age where perception shapes reality, journalists and military communicators share a joint responsibility to protect the truth.
Over the course of the seminar, participants explored the delicate but vital relationship between the military and the media—two institutions that, though distinct in function, must coexist in mutual trust and shared purpose. Presentations and panel discussions focused on topics such as strategic communication, crisis information management, conflict-sensitive journalism, and countering extremist propaganda through narrative framing.
Lt. Colonel Anele reminded participants that media reports have tangible effects on operational outcomes and troop morale. “We must ensure that our troops win not only the battles in the field but also the battles of perception and information in the public domain,” she said. “Their gallantry and sacrifices must be reinforced by responsible media reportage that amplifies their achievements, counters false narratives, and fosters unity among Nigerians.”
Her remarks captured a growing awareness that the media can either build or break national morale, depending on the tone, accuracy, and intent of its reports. She appealed for a relationship rooted in trust, professionalism, and patriotism, urging journalists to prioritize the collective interest of national security above sensationalism or partisanship.
One of the most forward-looking aspects of Lt. Colonel Anele’s speech was her attention to the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the information space. She noted that AI has revolutionized how information is created, shared, and consumed—but it has also created new threats.
“Fake news, doctored images, and deepfakes now pose as much threat as enemy propaganda,” she warned, calling for a united effort to counter falsehoods with verified facts and replace propaganda with truth. Her remarks reflect a modern understanding of warfare, where data, perception, and narrative management are as crucial as logistics and weaponry.
Her stance positions the Nigerian Army among the few African security institutions actively confronting the AI-driven disinformation challenge—a bold recognition that national security in the 21st century cannot ignore the digital frontlines.
Lt. Colonel Anele’s leadership at the seminar was complemented by her expression of gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. OO Oluyede, for his unwavering support to the Directorate of Army Public Relations.
She acknowledged that the DAPR’s successes were rooted in the Chief’s commitment to open communication, professional development, and inter-agency collaboration. “Sir,” she said, “your unwavering support to initiatives that promote professional military-media relations is worthy of appreciation. We are always grateful.”
Her appreciation also extended to past Directors of Army Public Relations, principal staff officers, media executives, and sister security spokespersons, all of whom contributed to the success of the seminar. The atmosphere was one of shared pride and renewed purpose.
If the opening session set the intellectual tone, Lt. Colonel Anele’s closing remarks brought emotional and philosophical closure to the proceedings.
Standing before an audience of journalists, officers, and media experts, she reflected on the depth of discussions that had taken place. “Over the past days, we have engaged in rigorous discussions, insightful presentations, and stimulating exchanges that have sharpened our perspectives on the vital interface between the military and the media,” she noted.
She reiterated a key insight of the seminar: that modern warfare is fought not only on the battlefield but also in the arena of perception and information. Propaganda, she said, has become a “dangerous weapon in the hands of terrorists, secessionists, and economic saboteurs.” The task before both the military and the media, she emphasized, is to ensure that these falsehoods do not erode public trust or diminish the sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers.
“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our beloved country,” she said. “Yet, to achieve lasting victory, the cooperation of the media is indispensable. You are not bystanders in this fight; you are strategic partners whose words and reports shape perception, build resilience, and mobilize public support for the armed forces.”
Participants agreed that the seminar was more than a training event—it was a transformational milestone in civil-military communication. The practical sessions and discussions led by resource persons helped participants develop new approaches to responsible security reporting, crisis response communication, and the ethical use of emerging technologies in journalism.
Lt. Colonel Anele urged attendees to translate their newfound knowledge into action:
“These contributions will serve as a compass as we continue to engage the media space with clarity, credibility, and professionalism. I urge all participants to translate these lessons into action, whether in the newsroom, on the field, or in our respective deployments.”
Her call to action underscored a strategic goal: to deny adversaries the oxygen of propaganda while amplifying the truth of Nigeria’s collective resolve against criminality.
In her closing words, Lt. Colonel Anele expressed gratitude on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army to all facilitators, media representatives, sister security spokespersons, and officers—serving and retired—whose commitment ensured the seminar’s success. She described their dedication as “a testament to patriotism and an assurance that the media–military partnership remains strong and unbreakable.”
As the curtains fell, she issued a stirring charge that encapsulated the entire spirit of the engagement:
“I charge you all to remain ambassadors of truth, defenders of professional ethics, and partners in the great task of building a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria.”
With that, she formally declared the Directorate of Army Public Relations Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar 2025 closed—leaving participants not just informed, but inspired.
Lt. Colonel Appolonia Anele’s leadership throughout the seminar reflects a progressive and pragmatic approach to information management in a complex security environment. Her speeches were not only eloquent but strategic, weaving together the themes of professionalism, truth, and patriotism in a way that resonates deeply with both military and media audiences.
By driving this initiative, she has set a new standard for media-military cooperation—one based on respect, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility for national stability.
In a time when falsehoods travel faster than facts and when perception can determine policy, Lt. Colonel Anele’s efforts represent a giant stride for the Nigerian Army—a stride toward transparency, partnership, and the responsible use of information as a tool of national defence.
Her work, and that of the Directorate of Army Public Relations, reaffirms an enduring truth: that in the battle for hearts and minds, words can be as powerful as weapons—and truth remains the most potent ammunition of all.
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