By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Abuja — The Nigerian Army has alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters and criminal syndicates soliciting funds in the name of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
The Army said the impostors have been circulating fake letters, sponsorship proposals and fundraising requests to individuals, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies, falsely claiming to represent the military.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, warning members of the public against responding to such requests.
According to her, any request for funds, sponsorship, donations or partnerships that is not expressly authorised through official Nigerian Army channels should be treated as fraudulent and a criminal act.
She explained that NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 6 as part of activities marking the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, remains an official event and that all legitimate communications regarding the celebration are conveyed only through recognised and verifiable military platforms.
Anele urged individuals, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise caution and verify any request purportedly made on behalf of the Nigerian Army before taking action.
She further warned that anyone found impersonating the Nigerian Army, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitation would be tracked, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Army spokesperson called on members of the public to report suspicious communications or activities to the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority.
She disclosed that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other security agencies, had intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the scam.
Anele reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting citizens from exploitation and expressed appreciation for the vigilance, cooperation and continued support of Nigerians.
