Reintroducing

THE NEW ARMY SPOKESPERSON: LT COL (MRS) OA ANELE, FSS, anipr

The Nigerian Army has just appointed Lieutenant Colonel (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations (Ag DAPR) — and trust us, she’s bringing serious firepower in experience, intellect, and professionalism to the role!

From Rukuba Barracks in Jos to international peace missions in Sudan, Ghana, Mali, the UK and more — Lt Col Anele has paid her dues in military PR, strategy, and gender policy. She was commissioned into the NA in 2007 and has risen through the ranks with grit and grace, earning her stars as Captain (2012), Major (2016), and Lt Colonel (2021).

She has served in top roles like:

PRO to the Chief of Army Staff (2018–2021)

PRO, Defence Space Administration (2021–2022)

Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, NA Welfare Holdings (2023)

Gender Officer at Army HQ

Instructor at NASPRI

And just before this appointment? She was leading human rights efforts at Defence HQ.

Lt Col Anele holds two Master’s Degrees — in Gender, Peace & Security and Leadership & Strategic Studies — and is a proud product of University of Jos, Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Centre, and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

She’s also a respected voice on gender inclusion and has delivered lectures across top military institutions. Her awards? Plenty. Her discipline? Unshakable. Her vibe? Professional excellence, all day!

Let’s celebrate this trailblazer, a proud daughter of Ehime-Mbano, Imo State, and a beacon of what it means to be a woman in uniform leading from the front.

Big salute, ma!