Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - The Nigerian Army has warned students and members of the public against wearing military camouflage or accessories.
It described the act as an offence punishable under Nigerian
law.
The warning followed an incident at Taraba State University
involving a student, Yebsonya Gamboro, who was questioned after allegedly
wearing military camouflage and assaulting another student, Manga Emmanuel, a
200-level Computer Science student and serving personnel.
Reacting to reports on social media alleging that soldiers
unlawfully arrested Gamboro, the Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3
Operation Whirl Stroke, clarified that no such arrest took place.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Acting Assistant Director,
Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said, “The attention of
Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke has been
drawn to a social media post alleging that a student of Taraba State
University, Mr. Yebsonya Gamboro, was unlawfully picked up by military
personnel within the university premises on Friday, 10 October 2025.
“The Brigade wishes to clarify that Mr. Gamboro was not
among the students initially apprehended and questioned on the said date for
illegally wearing military camouflage during a social function held within the
school premises. Those students were immediately released after questioning.”
Muhammad further explained that subsequent investigations
showed that Gamboro was later seen wearing military camouflage and got into a
confrontation with Mr. Manga after being questioned.
“This encounter reportedly led to an altercation. During the
confrontation, Mr. Gamboro allegedly called some friends and assaulted Mr.
Manga, during which the latter’s mobile phone was reported missing,” he said.
“Following the incident, some of Mr. Manga’s colleagues
sought assistance to present Mr. Gamboro to the Brigade for questioning.
“He was subsequently released the following morning and
handed over to the University Security Officer for further investigation and
appropriate administrative action aimed at recovering the missing phone,” he
added.
Reiterating the Army’s respect for civil institutions, the
statement noted, “Headquarters 6 Brigade remains committed to upholding the
rule of law, due process, and maintaining cordial relations with all
institutions within Taraba State, 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.”
Citing relevant laws, Muhammad said, “It is, however,
important to note that Section 110 (1) and Section 251 of the Criminal Code Act
(Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) make it unlawful for any person who is not
a serving member of the Armed Forces to wear or use military uniforms or
accoutrements, as doing so constitutes an offence punishable under the law.”
The Army, therefore, urged Nigerians to desist from wearing
military uniforms or accessories, warning that such actions “will attract legal
consequences in line with the provisions of the law.”
The caution from the Nigerian Army comes amid a growing
trend of civilians, particularly youths, wearing military-patterned clothing
for fashion, social events, or entertainment purposes, a practice the Armed
Forces have consistently warned against.
PUNCH Online reports that the Chief of Civil-Military
Affairs, Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi in April, warned civilians that
wearing military camouflage illegally can lead to arrest and prosecution.
He noted that non‐military personnel have no legal
right to don such uniforms.
He also emphasised that enforcement must respect rights and
avoid violence.
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