The Nigerian Army has alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters and criminal syndicates allegedly soliciting funds in the name of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, warning individuals and organisations to disregard such requests.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, unscrupulous individuals have been circulating fake letters, sponsorship proposals and fundraising requests to members of the public, financial institutions, corporate organisations and government agencies, falsely claiming to represent the Nigerian Army.
The Army categorically stated that any 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 clarified that NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 6, 2026, to commemorate the 163rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army, remains an official event. However, all legitimate communications relating to the celebration are conveyed exclusively through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms and channels.
The Nigerian Army urged the public, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise vigilance and avoid responding to or honouring unsolicited financial requests purportedly made on behalf of the institution without proper verification.
It further stressed that the Army does not authorise, support or condone any form of fundraising conducted by individuals or groups claiming to act on its behalf.
Warning perpetrators of the fraudulent scheme, the Army stated that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitation would be tracked, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Army also encouraged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious communication, requests or activities to the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other relevant security agencies, has intensified efforts to identify and bring all those involved in the fraudulent activities to justice.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens from exploitation and expressed appreciation for the vigilance, cooperation and continued support of Nigerians in safeguarding the integrity of the institution.
