COAS Decorates Army Spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, as Colonel — Hails Her as a Pillar of Professionalism

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has decorated the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel, praising her as one of the Nigerian Army’s finest communicators and a steadfast guardian of public trust.

The brief but symbolic ceremony, held on 9 December 2025 at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in Colonel Anele’s career — one built on discipline, integrity and an uncommon dedication to strengthening the Army’s relationship with the Nigerian public.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS described Anele’s elevation as richly deserved, noting that her work has helped shape the Army’s modern approach to strategic communications. He charged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to continue projecting the institution with credibility, professionalism and a sense of national responsibility.

General Alabi stressed that public confidence remains a strategic enabler for successful military operations. Transparency, accountability and timely information flow, he said, are essential to sustaining the trust of citizens—trust the Army Spokesperson has consistently worked to earn and protect.

He urged Colonel Anele to maintain the highest standards of leadership and mentorship, building a new generation of military communicators capable of matching the evolving security landscape.

In her remarks, a visibly grateful Colonel Anele attributed her success to God and the visionary leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS. She described their guidance as instrumental to her professional growth and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the nation with renewed dedication.

The event drew senior officers, retired generals, family members and well-wishers, including former Army spokesperson Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) and Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd), who joined in celebrating what many described as a well-earned honour for one of the Army’s most distinguished public relations officers.