• The Nigerian Army reiterated that only authorized personnel can wear military camouflage, emphasizing the importance of this regulation for security
• Major General Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that a recently circulated video of a soldier molesting a civilian is outdated and misleading

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The Nigerian Army (NA) has reiterated that the ban on the unauthorised use of military camouflage remains in full effect.

In a statement on Sunday, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, addressed a circulating video showing a soldier molesting a civilian for wearing Army Desert Camouflage uniform. Nwachukwu clarified that the video is outdated and being circulated by individuals maliciously intent to create tension between the military and the civilian populace.2

He emphasized that only personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force are legally permitted to wear military camouflage. This regulation is crucial as terrorists, insurgents, and other imposters have exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit heinous crimes, posing significant security threats.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” Nwachukwu stated. “We urge the public to disregard the re-circulated video and to remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord and tension within the country.”

Nwachukwu noted that the incident in the video occurred in 2021, and the army took immediate and decisive action. “The soldier involved was arrested, tried, and appropriately punished for his unacceptable behaviour, which violated the core values of the Nigerian Army, particularly the respect for others and their fundamental rights,” he added.