The Nigerian Army has reiterated the ban on civilians wearing military camouflage, stating that it remains illegal.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the wearing of military camouflage was banned because terrorists and other imposters had often exploited the misuse of military camouflage.
The Army said this following the recent circulation of an old video showing two soldiers dragging and beating a young man in camouflage with a belt and a cane; clarifying that the footage is a stale audio-visual being recirculated with malicious intent to create tension between the military and the civilian populace by individuals or content creators adding that the incident occurred in 2021.
The statement reads:
“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 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.
“The NA 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 threats.
“The NA 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. [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>