Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has reaffirmed the prohibition on the unauthorised use of camouflage uniforms across the country, citing the prevailing security situation as the basis for the directive.
Matawalle stressed that only the Armed Forces and the Police are permitted to use camouflage uniforms during joint operations. He underscored the need for affected agencies to comply with the directive to maintain security protocols.
According to Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Information, Press, and Public Relations of the Ministry, Matawalle cautioned against the unregulated use of military attire by unauthorised individuals and agencies, citing concerns about criminal exploitation of such uniforms.
Matawalle stated, “This is because criminals among us have taken advantage of the military, police, and other security agencies’ gears to perpetrate crimes.”
The ban on paramilitary agencies using military camouflage aims to restore order and curb criminal activities within the system, Matawalle reiterated. The enforcement of this ban will be overseen by the armed forces and the police, following directives issued earlier by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Agencies affected by the ban include the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Federal Fire Service, among others.
