The Nigerian Army has distanced itself from fraudulent fundraising and sponsorship solicitations being carried out in the name of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, warning members of the public to disregard such requests.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, issued the warning in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, following reports of fake letters, sponsorship proposals and donation requests being circulated by suspected fraudsters.
According to Colonel Anele, the criminal syndicates are falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the Nigerian Army and soliciting financial support from individuals, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies for NADCEL 2026.
She stressed that the Nigerian Army has not authorised any individual or group to solicit funds, sponsorships, donations or partnerships on its behalf, adding that any request not officially communicated through recognised Nigerian Army channels is fraudulent and should be treated as a criminal act.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 6 to commemorate the 163rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army, is an official event. All legitimate communications regarding the celebration are conveyed strictly through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms,” she stated.
Colonel Anele urged the public, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise caution by verifying any request purportedly made on behalf of the Nigerian Army. She advised Nigerians not to respond to or honour unsolicited financial requests without proper verification.
She further warned that the Nigerian Army does not condone or support any form of fundraising conducted by individuals or groups in its name, noting that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitations would be tracked, arrested and prosecuted.
The Army spokesperson encouraged members of the public to report suspicious communications or activities to the nearest military formation or relevant security agency.
She disclosed that the Nigerian Army, working with the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other security agencies, has intensified efforts to identify and bring those behind the fraudulent activities to justice.
Colonel Anele reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from exploitation and expressed appreciation for the public’s vigilance, cooperation and continued support.
