The Nigerian Army, NA, on Thursday alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters and criminal syndicates allegedly soliciting funds under the guise of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, warning individuals and organisations to disregard such requests.
In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said that the impostors had been circulating fake letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to individuals, financial institutions, corporate organisations and government agencies while falsely claiming to represent the Nigerian Army.
The statement noted that the fraudsters were seeking financial support for NADCEL 2026 through unauthorised means.
According to it, “the Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to urgently alert the general public to the activities of unscrupulous individuals and criminal syndicates who are fraudulently soliciting funds under the guise of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
“These impostors have been circulating fake letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to individuals, financial institutions, corporate organisations, and government agencies, falsely claiming to represent the Nigerian Army and seeking financial support for NADCEL 2026.
“The Nigerian Army categorically and unequivocally states that any such request for funds, sponsorship, donations or partnerships that is not expressly authorised through official Nigerian Army channels is fraudulent and should be treated as a criminal act.”
The Army clarified that NADCEL 2026 remained an official event scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 6, 2026, to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, stressing that all legitimate communications concerning the celebration would only be disseminated through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms.
It therefore urged members of the public, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise vigilance by verifying any request purportedly made on behalf of the Army before responding.
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According to the statement, “For the avoidance of doubt, NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from 1 to 6 July 2026 in commemoration of the 163rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army, is an official event. All legitimate communications regarding the celebration are strictly conveyed through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms and channels.
“The general public, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies are strongly warned to exercise extreme caution and vigilance. Please do not respond to, engage with or honour any unsolicited financial request made in the name of the Nigerian Army without proper verification.
“The Nigerian Army does not condone, authorise, or support any form of fundraising by individuals or groups acting in its name.”
The Army also warned that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent fundraising would face the full weight of the law.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army issues a firm and unequivocal warning that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents, or engaging in fraudulent solicitation will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
It encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious communications or requests to the nearest military formation or other security agencies, adding that security operatives had intensified efforts to track down those behind the fraudulent scheme.
“Members of the public are hereby encouraged to promptly report any suspicious communication, request or activity to the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority.
“The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other relevant security agencies, has intensified efforts to identify, track and bring to justice all those involved in these criminal acts.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the public from exploitation and deeply appreciates the vigilance, cooperation and continued support of well-meaning Nigerians,” the statement added.
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