Screenshot from the video of the Army officer assaulting a civilian on camouflage, and a picture of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The Nigerian Army (NA) has firmly reiterated that the ban on the unauthorised use of military camouflage is still in full force.
The statement, issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, came in response to a video circulating online that depicted a soldier mistreating a civilian for wearing an Army Desert Camouflage uniform.
Nwachukwu clarified that the footage, which has recently resurfaced, is outdated and being shared by individuals with the intent to incite discord between the military and the public.
In his statement, Nwachukwu emphasized that the regulation on military camouflage is strictly enforced and that only members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force are authorised to wear such uniforms.
The purpose of this regulation is to address security threats posed by terrorists, insurgents, and imposters who have misused military camouflage to commit crimes, thereby endangering national security.
“The Nigerian army remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” Nwachukwu asserted.
He urged the public to disregard the re-circulated video and to stay vigilant against efforts designed to create unnecessary tension and division.
The incident depicted in the video occurred in 2021, and the Army had already addressed it decisively.
The soldier involved was arrested, tried, and given an appropriate punishment for his misconduct….Seē _ Morē