BY: NEWS EDITOR, DECEMBER 09, 2025/ 04:44PM
Appolonia Anele, acting director of Army public relations, has been decorated with the rank of colonel by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
The promotion which took place on Tuesday recognizes her steadfast dedication and exemplary service to the Nigerian Army.
At a brief ceremony held at Army Headquarters, Abuja, the COAS commended Colonel Anele’s professionalism and unwavering commitment, charging the directorate of Army public relations to sustain its efforts in projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS underscored that public trust is indispensable to the success of military operations.
He urged the directorate to strengthen transparent, accountable and timely communication on Nigerian Army activities, stressing that effective strategic communication remains vital to bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces.
The Army Chief further tasked the acting director to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the directorate.
In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship, which she described as instrumental to her career advancement.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former director, Army public relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni, Col. Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, senior officers serving and retired, alongside family members, friends and well‑wishers.