Nigerian Army has alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters allegedly using the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 as a cover to solicit funds from unsuspecting individuals and organizations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Army had received reports of criminal elements circulating fake sponsorship letters, proposals and fundraising requests purportedly on behalf of the military institution.
According to the statement, the fraudulent requests are being directed at individuals, corporate organizations, financial institutions and government agencies under the false claim of seeking support for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled for July 2026.
The Army distanced itself from such activities, stressing that any request for sponsorship, donations, partnerships or financial contributions not issued through its officially recognized channels should be regarded as fraudulent.
“The Nigerian Army categorically and unequivocally states that any such request for funds, sponsorship, donations or partnerships that is not expressly authorized through official Nigerian Army channels is fraudulent and should be treated as a criminal act,” the statement said.
The Army explained that NADCEL 2026, which will hold from July 1 to July 6, is an official event marking the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, adding that all legitimate communications relating to the celebration would be disseminated through verified Army platforms.
It urged members of the public and organizations to exercise caution and verify any request made in the name of the Nigerian Army before taking action.
“Please do not respond to, engage with or honour any unsolicited financial request made in the name of the Nigerian Army without proper verification,” the statement warned.
The military further emphasized that it neither authorizes nor supports fundraising activities conducted by individuals or groups claiming to represent the institution.
It also vowed to take decisive action against anyone found impersonating the Army, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent financial solicitations.
“Anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents, or engaging in fraudulent solicitation will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement added.
The Army encouraged citizens to report suspicious requests or communications to the nearest military formation or law enforcement agency.
Colonel Anele disclosed that the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other security agencies, has intensified efforts to track down and prosecute those behind the scam.
She reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting members of the public from fraud and thanked Nigerians for their continued vigilance, cooperation and support.