By Patrick Idowu

For the first time in its history, the Nigerian Army is set to appoint a woman as its spokesperson, marking a historic milestone in military leadership and gender inclusion.

Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele has been named as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, becoming the first female officer to occupy the prestigious position. Her appointment takes effect from April 22, 2025.

Anaele will succeed Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has served with distinction under three Chiefs of Army Staff — Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the current Chief, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

Her emergence is being hailed as a bold and progressive step by the Army high command, affirming the growing role of women in strategic military leadership.

Meanwhile, the outgoing spokesman, Nwachukwu, has debunked a viral social media video alleging a lack of ammunition among troops.

He clarified that the video in circulation is outdated and is being deliberately recycled to undermine public confidence in the military.

Nwachukwu emphasized that the Army is well equipped and continues to record significant victories across various theatres of operation.

He warned the public against spreading misleading content, noting that such actions demoralize troops and distract from ongoing efforts to secure the nation.

As Anaele prepares to take the reins, many are optimistic that her leadership will not only sustain the professionalism of military communications but also inspire a new generation of female officers.

By Adenike Lawal

The Nigerian Defence Academy has announced plans to carry out a live-fire drill from April 10 to April 12, calling on residents near the exercise area to steer clear for their safety.

The academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

He explained that the training, designed for cadets of the 75 Regular Course, will hold at the NDA Open Range in Afaka.

Tagged the Elementary Application of Fire Exercise, the drill is part of efforts to equip cadets with practical experience in live ammunition handling and tactical operations.

Major Maidawa urged farmers, herders, and others living around the range to avoid the area during the period of the exercise.

He stressed that tight safety measures would be in place to prevent unauthorised access to the training ground.

He also appealed to media outlets and community leaders to spread the word to ensure public awareness and cooperation.

Expressing appreciation to local communities, Maidawa reassured that the NDA remains committed to sustaining cordial relations with its neighbours while prioritising their safety during essential military training.

By Our Correspondent

A gruesome case of mob violence in Edo State has drawn national condemnation, with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun ordering an urgent investigation into the killing of 16 hunters accused of being kidnappers.

The victims, who were traveling for Sallah celebrations, were intercepted by a vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road.

Upon discovering 19 locally made firearms in their truck, the vigilantes allegedly labeled them criminals and subjected them to brutal mob justice, leading to their deaths.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, denounced the killings as a cowardly act and one of the worst in recent history.

He urged security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators, emphasizing that justice must be served.

“This is one madness too many. Nigerians must be free to move without fear,” Abbas stated, calling for calm as investigations continue.

The IGP has directed the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to take over the case. Meanwhile, 14 suspects have been arrested, with a manhunt underway for others involved.

The tragic incident, occurring during Ramadan and Lent, has sparked calls for restraint and an end to jungle justice in Nigeria.