The Nigerian Army has warned citizens against wearing military camouflage, stating it is illegal and remains banned.
Nigeria Army reiterated the ban on camouflage on Sunday, in a statement, while addressing a viral video that showed a soldier molesting a citizen for wearing military camouflage.
Army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the viral video was old footage.
Nwachukwu said the incident occurred in 2021. He added that the officer involved was arrested, tried and punished for unacceptable behaviour.
“The Nigerian Army (NA) has noted the recent circulation of an old video depicting a soldier molesting a civilian for wearing a Nigerian Army Desert Camouflage uniform. The Nigeria Army 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 Nigeria Army took immediate and decisive action at that time.
“The soldier involved was arrested, tried, and appropriately punished for his unacceptable behavior, which violated the core values of the Nigerian Army, particularly the respect for others and their fundamental rights,” Nigeria Army said.
Major General Nwachukwu advised Nigerians to obey the ban on wearing military camouflage. He said only military personnel and police personnel are permitted to put on camouflage.
Nwachukwu said the ban was targeted at terrorists, insurgents and imposters who have oftentimes exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit crimes posing security threats.
The statement urged the public to disregard the circulating video. He said Nigeria Army remains committed to ensuring safety of all citizens.
“The Nigeria Army wishes to reiterate that the ban on the unauthorized 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 times exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit heinous crimes against unsuspecting members of the public, thereby posing significant security threat.
“The Nigeria Army remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. We urge the public to disregard the recirculated video and to remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord and tension within the country,” the statement added.
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