Nigerian Army gets first female spokesperson

The Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele as the acting Director of Army Public Relations, making her the first female officer to head the department since its establishment over five decades ago.

Anaele is set to officially assume the role on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, taking over from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.

The groundbreaking appointment marks a significant milestone for gender representation within the Nigerian military. Anaele’s elevation is being widely celebrated as a sign of progress in the inclusion of women in top leadership roles within the armed forces.