The Nigerian Army has appealed to Nigerians to stop making social media posts that undermine the morale of soldiers, saying such comments discourage troops who risk their lives daily to protect the country from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
The appeal was made on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja.
Anele said soldiers serving in different theatres of operation across the country deserve appreciation and encouragement for their sacrifices rather than criticism based on misinformation or incomplete accounts of military operations.
According to her, many officers and soldiers have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, while others continue to put their lives at risk to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
She said it was painful to see people dismiss the efforts of the armed forces by claiming on social media that the military was not doing enough to tackle insecurity.
“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.
The army spokesperson referred to the recent rescue operation involving abducted students and teachers in Oyo State as an example of the sacrifices made by security personnel.
According to her, an Army officer, a soldier and a police officer lost their lives during the operation while working to rescue the victims from their captors.
She said the incident demonstrated the commitment of security agencies to protecting lives and restoring peace, even at great personal cost.
Anele noted that many military operations receive little public attention despite the risks involved, while negative reports and unverified claims often spread quickly on social media.
She urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online and avoid spreading false narratives that could weaken public confidence in the military.
According to her, the fight against insecurity requires the support of all Nigerians, including the media and members of the public.
She said constructive criticism is welcome, but misinformation and unfounded allegations only make the work of security personnel more difficult.
The Nigerian military has remained actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, where troops continue to battle Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In the North-West and parts of the North-Central, soldiers are involved in operations against armed bandits responsible for attacks on communities, mass abductions and cattle rustling.
Troops are also carrying out operations against kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal groups in the South-East, South-South and other parts of the country.
In recent months, the military has announced the rescue of kidnapped victims, the elimination of terrorist commanders and the recovery of weapons during several operations conducted jointly with other security agencies.
However, insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges, with communities in several states continuing to experience attacks by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
The security situation has often generated public criticism, especially on social media, where citizens express frustration over continued attacks and call for stronger action from the government and security agencies.
Despite these concerns, military authorities have repeatedly appealed for public cooperation, saying intelligence provided by citizens has helped troops prevent attacks and rescue victims.
Anele reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens despite the many challenges facing security personnel.
She assured Nigerians that troops would continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism and dedication.
The army spokesperson also acknowledged the role of defence correspondents in reporting military activities and urged journalists to continue providing accurate, balanced and responsible coverage of security issues.
She said factual reporting would help the public better understand the realities of military operations and the sacrifices made by personnel on the frontlines.
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, made up of journalists covering defence and security matters, has over the years served as a bridge between the military and the public by reporting developments within the armed forces and other security agencies.
The Army expressed hope that greater cooperation among the military, the media and the public would strengthen national efforts to combat insecurity.
Anele said while soldiers remain committed to protecting the country, they also need the encouragement and support of the people they serve.
She maintained that recognising the sacrifices of security personnel and avoiding the spread of misleading information would boost the morale of troops and contribute to the overall fight against insecurity in Nigeria.