Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu Resumes As New Army Spokesperson

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu has resumed duties as the new Director of Army Public Relations, taking over from Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima.

Nwachukwu assumed command on Wednesday as the 23rd spokesperson for the Nigerian Army after a ceremony at the Army headquarters in Abuja.

He was appointed into the position as part of the recent shakeup in the Nigerian Army which affected many senior officers and commanders, Naija News recalls.

Until his appointment, Nwachukwu was the acting Director Defence Information (DDI) at the Defence Headquarters.

Speaking during the takeover ceremony, the new Army spokesperson promised to strengthen the military-media relationship in a way that will consolidate the gains already made in the ongoing war against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and insurrection amongst other sundry crimes in the country.

The official Army statement on the change of baton signed by Colonel Nasirudeen Abdullahi reads: “The recently appointed Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu has taken over command as the 23rd spokesperson for the Nigerian Army.

He assumed command today 16 June 2021 in a colourful ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. Until his appointment, he was the acting Director Defence Information (DDI) at the Defence Headquarters.

Speaking during the handing and taking over ceremony, Brigadier General Nwachukwu thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya for finding him worthy to be appointed the Army Spokesman.

He congratulated the outgoing Director, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima for a successful tour of duty.

General Nwachukwu noted that the era of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has made it easier for speedy dissemination of information to the general public stressing that it has brought about additional challenges to information managers.

He revealed that strengthening Military -Media relationship is his topmost priority, even as he extolled the media for supporting Nigerian Army Operations through balanced reportage. He further charged the media to remain committed in the discharge of their professional duties by adhering to the ethics of journalism.

He pledged to evolve measures and potent ways that could improve and strengthen the existing relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Media, with a view to consolidate on the gains already made in the ongoing war against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and insurrection amongst other sundry crimes in the country.

He added that the NA under the leadership of Major General Faruk Yahaya would continue to value the partnership and cooperation of the media and other institutions with mutual respect and cordiality.

Earlier in his valedictory speech, the immediate past Director Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima congratulated the Director on his appointment and wished him a successful tour of duty.

He commended Officers, Soldiers and Civilian Staff of the Directorate for their loyalty, support and commitment.

He further enjoined them to extend same to the new Army Spokesman.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by Senior Officers and Staff of the Directorate of Army Public Relations, as well as the National President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, among several other dignitaries.

Highlights of the event were the signing of handing and taking over notes, presentation of the command flag and decoration of the new Director with insignia.”

Meanwhile, five security operatives have been killed in a fierce gun battle with bandits in Gora Namaye community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Naija News reports that the security operatives killed include four policemen and an NSCDC officer.

Confirming the clash, the state police command through its spokesman, SP Muhammad Shehu, disclosed that several bandits, who had blocked Gusau -Sokoto highway, had been neutralised.