The Nigerian Army has warned members of the public to be wary of fraudsters soliciting funds in the name of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, describing such activities as criminal and unauthorised.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said criminal syndicates and unscrupulous individuals were circulating fake letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to individuals, financial institutions, corporate organisations and government agencies, falsely claiming to represent the Nigerian Army.
According to Anele, the impostors are seeking financial support for NADCEL 2026 through fraudulent means.
“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 statement said.
The Army clarified that NADCEL 2026, scheduled to be held from July 1 to July 6, 2026, to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, is an official event and that all legitimate communications regarding the celebration are conveyed only through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms.
It urged members of the public, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise caution and avoid responding to unsolicited financial requests made in the Army’s name without proper verification.
“The Nigerian Army does not condone, authorise or support any form of fundraising by individuals or groups acting in its name,” Anele said.
The Army also warned that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitation would be “relentlessly pursued, apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
It encouraged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious communications or requests to the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Army, working with the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, the Military Police and other security agencies, has intensified efforts to identify, track and prosecute those behind the fraudulent activities.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians from exploitation and expressed appreciation for the vigilance, cooperation and continued support of the public.
