We’re here to serve, defend you, Army spokesperson assures  

The acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Lt.-Col. Onyinyechi Anele, on Friday evening appealed to Nigerians to own the force, noting that they were out to serve and defend the people.

She made the appeal during a parley with Defence Correspondents on Friday evening in Lagos- the first by any spokesperson for the Army in the past 14 years.

Anele, who appreciated the job media practitioners do especially in shaping narratives, acknowledged the difficulties encountered in getting reactions/feedbacks or comments from military institutions when an issue occurs.

She said: “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.

“We’re here to serve you, to defend you, and not to pick up arms, brutalize, or go against the general public. So please, help us to tell our story. I am always available as much as possible.”

Responding to the usual unresponsiveness of military spokespersons when feedback is required, she said she would try as much as possible to be accessible in order to eradicate suspicions and speculations.

“Most times, when it comes to the military, you hear things like, ‘All efforts to reach the DAPR proved abortive.’ These are the things we want to eradicate.

“If you don’t give the media your side of the story, they will tell it for you- and trust me, you will not like it,” she added.

From the interaction, Lt.-Col. Anele has shown a commitment to bridging the information gap and fostering a more transparent, inclusive relationship, that would  enhance the public’s understanding and acceptance of the Army’s activities and initiatives.

A graduate of Mass Communication with double Master’s degree, Anele emphasized the importance of effective communication and mutual understanding between the military and the media.

She expressed dedication to maintaining open channels of communication, ensuring timely responses to inquiries, and providing accurate information to the public.

Anele joined the Army in 2007 through the Direct Regular Course 15 and has served in multiple strategic roles, including as Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff under retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Defence Space Administration, and in the Department of Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters.

Her career trajectory also includes international peacekeeping experience with the United Nations in Darfur and professional trainings in Nigeria, Ghana, Sweden, Mali, and the United Kingdom.

She is a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

With her promise of accessibility, transparency, and stronger collaboration with journalists, the Army’s public relations machinery appears set for a new chapter in its relationship with the Nigerian public.

The Nation