Nigerian Army Warns Civilians Against Wearing Military Camouflage

The Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to civilians, particularly students, against wearing military camouflage or accessories, emphasizing that such actions violate the Criminal Code Act and could lead to legal consequences. The directive comes amid clarifications over a recent confrontation at Taraba State University involving a student accused of donning camouflage and assaulting a serving military personnel.In a statement released Tuesday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, the army addressed viral social media claims of an unlawful arrest of student Yebsonya Gamboro on October 10, 2025. The incident unfolded during a social function at the university, where several students were initially questioned and released for illegally wearing military camouflage. Gamboro, who was not among the initial group, was later spotted in similar attire and confronted Manga Emmanuel, a 200-level Computer Science student and active military member.According to the statement, the questioning escalated into an altercation, during which Gamboro allegedly summoned friends who assaulted Manga, resulting in the loss of Manga's mobile phone. Colleagues of Manga then approached the brigade for assistance, leading to Gamboro's brief questioning. He was released the following morning and transferred to the university's security officer for further investigation and to facilitate the recovery of the missing device.Muhammad stressed that no unlawful arrest occurred and reaffirmed the army's commitment to the rule of law, due process, and positive relations with civil institutions, including Taraba State University. "The Brigade does not condone any act of indiscipline or abuse of authority and encourages members of the public always to verify information before dissemination," he said.The army cited Sections 110(1) and 251 of the Criminal Code Act, which prohibit non-serving individuals from using military uniforms or accoutrements, making it a punishable offense. This warning echoes an earlier caution from Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, in April 2025, who highlighted that civilians have no legal right to wear such attire and that enforcement should respect human rights while avoiding violence.The advisory addresses a rising trend among Nigerian youths who incorporate military-patterned clothing into fashion or social events, often unaware of the legal implications. Army officials urged the public to comply to prevent misunderstandings and potential arrests, underscoring the need for clear distinctions between military and civilian spheres to maintain national security and order.

Read More