Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Advisor has barred personnel of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and Federal Fire Service from using camouflage outfits.
In a letter dated 16th of January, 2024, it referenced the report of a committee on the use of camouflage set up in 2016 which stated that the camouflage should be limited to the Armed Forces and Police for special occasions and also advocated for the harmonization of camouflage uniforms to prevent imitation by criminals and imposters.
It lamented that despite its efforts, the NSCDC, Federal Fire Service, and NIS included camouflage in their uniform thereby making it easily accessible to criminals and imposters which increases the already challenging insecurity in the country.
“Case in point was the recent unfortunate attack on communities in Plateau State where the perpetrators were reportedly dressed in camouflage uniforms,” said the NSA.
He added, “This further underscores the need to ensure that the ban placed on the use of camouflage uniforms by security agencies other than the Armed Forces and the police on special occasions, such as joint operations, is strictly enforced.”
It directed all the security agencies to withdraw camouflage from their personnel and discontinue the use of the uniform while tasking them to take necessary steps to ensure strict compliance with the ban.
“In view of the foregoing and the interest of national security, you are kindly requested to direct security and law enforcement agencies under your ministry to withdraw all camouflage uniforms from their personnel and discontinue the use of the outfit with immediate effect.
“You are also requested to take necessary steps and place stringent measures to ensure that the ban on the use of camouflage uniforms is upheld, enforced and strictly complied with by all security and enforcement establishments under your Ministry,” he stated.
