The Nigerian Army has called on citizens to desist from the illegal use of military uniforms, emphasising that respect for the uniform is crucial for strengthening national security and building trust between the military and the public.
During a media session with Defence correspondents in Abuja, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Gold Chibuisi, stated that the misuse of military attire by unauthorised individuals not only breaks the law but also facilitates criminal activities.
“I’m surprised that this issue keeps recurring in our discussions. It is illegal. Wearing military or security agency uniforms without being part of them, no matter the reason, is a crime,” he remarked.
He stressed that respecting the law is essential to maintaining the integrity and safety of the armed forces, warning that violators may face imprisonment.
“If you admire the military, join the military. Do not wear our uniform if you are not one of us,” he added.
Highlighting the security risks, Chibuisi noted that criminals are increasingly using military uniforms to commit crimes, making it difficult for civilians and security agencies to distinguish between genuine soldiers and criminals.
“There are many criminals using military attire to commit crimes. If this continues, how can we tell the difference between a criminal and a real soldier?” he asked.
He urged families and communities to help raise awareness at the grassroots level.
Maj Gen. Chibuisi explained that soldiers are trained to arrest civilians found wearing military gear and hand them over to the police for prosecution.
“Harassment or rough handling is not acceptable,” he acknowledged, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to public education on this issue.
He also stressed the importance of preventing this offence before it happens and warned against blindly adopting practices from other countries, such as the United States, given Nigeria’s unique challenges.
