The National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a directive barring personnel of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and Federal Fire Service from donning camouflage outfits.
According to a circular dated January 16 issued from the office of Mr. Ribadu where he referred to a 2015 National Security Council resolution which limited the use of camouflage to the armed forces and the police during joint operations. The resolution aimed at tackling the proliferation and imitation of military attire by criminals and impostors, seen as crucial decision to enhancing Nigeria’s national security.
However, the circular highlighted a lax adherence to the directive, noting that personnel of the fire service, immigration, and NSCDC continued to include camouflage uniforms in their dress code, disregarding the ban.
Mr. Ribadu emphasized that the disregard for the ban and its ongoing use “makes the outfit easily accessible to criminals and impostors, thereby exacerbating the already challenging security situation facing the country.
“The NSA underscored the necessity to enforce the ban following the increase in the use of camouflage outfits in launching deadly attacks on communities
.“The recent unfortunate attack on communities in Plateau State, where the perpetrators were reportedly dressed in camouflage uniforms, serves as a case in point,” remarked the NSA.
He further emphasized, “This 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.
”Mr. Ribadu urged Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo to promptly direct the affected security agencies to prohibit personnel from wearing camouflage uniforms.
“In view of the foregoing and in 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,” he stated.
“You are also requested to take necessary steps and emplace 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 concluded.