Army Appoints First Female Spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anaele

For the first time in its history, the Nigerian Army has appointed a woman to lead its public relations department, Zagazola Makama reports.

Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele has been named the acting Director of Army Public Relations. She will officially take over from the current spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Anaele’s appointment marks a major milestone for the Army, which has never had a female officer head its public relations department since its establishment over 50 years ago.

Her selection has been confirmed by top military sources, with formal handover arrangements already underway.