The Nigerian Army, on Sunday, warned civilians against wearing the military camouflage, saying it remains illegal.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the wearing of military camouflage was banned because of the fact that terrorists and other imposters had often exploited the misuse of military camouflage.
Nwachukwu said, “The NA wishes to reiterate that the ban on the unauthorised use of military camouflage remains in full effect. Only personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force are legally permitted to wear military camouflage.
“This regulation becomes expedient as terrorists, insurgents, and other imposters have often exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit heinous crimes against unsuspecting members of the public, thereby posing significant security threat.
“The NA remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.”
Meanwhile, the Army spokesman clarified that a trending video showing a soldier molesting a civilian wearing its desert camouflage uniform was an old video.
In the video, two soldiers were dragging and beating a young man in camouflage with a belt and a cane.
Nwachukwu said the incident happened in 2021 and the soldier in question had been appropriately punished for the offence.
He said, “The Nigerian Army has noted the recent circulation of an old video depicting a soldier molesting a civilian for wearing a Nigerian Army Desert Camouflage uniform. The NA wishes to clarify that this video footage is a stale audio-visual being recirculated by individuals or content creators either bereft of content or with malicious intent to create tension between the military and the civilian populace.
“The unfortunate incident in question occurred in 2021, and the NA took immediate and decisive action at that time. 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.”
