BREAKING: Fed Govt bans Immigration, NSCDC, Prison Service from wearing camouflage
The Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, has asked the Federal Ministry of Interior to immediately remove all camouflage uniforms from security and law enforcement services under its jurisdiction.
ONSA’s directive was issued in a circular dated January 16, 2024, and addressed to the Honorable Minister of Interior.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA’s National Security Adviser, signed the circular titled “Observation on Proliferation in the Use of Camouflage Uniforms by Other Security Agencies in Nigeria” seen by PRNigeria.
According to Ribadu, personnel from the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Federal Fire Service, among others, will no longer wear camouflage uniforms in accordance with ONSA’s mandate.
The NSA noticed that the continued use of camouflaged uniforms by the aforementioned security and law enforcement agencies makes the outfit easily accessible to criminals and impostors, worsening the country’s already difficult security situation.
He stated, “For example, consider the recent terrible attack on communities in Plateau State, where the assailants were apparently clad in camouflage clothing. This highlights the importance of properly enforcing the ban on camouflage uniforms by security agencies other than the Armed Forces and Police on particular occasions, such as joint operations.”
Ribadu encouraged the Interior Minister to take the necessary steps and implement strong measures to ensure that the ban on camouflage uniforms is upheld, implemented, and strictly followed by all security and enforcement agencies within his jurisdiction.
PRNigeria learned that ONSA has been besieged with concerns about the increased usage of camouflage uniforms by security agencies other than the Armed Forces and, on special occasions such as joint operations, the Nigeria Police.
Over the years, the Federal Government has taken many steps to limit camouflage clothing to the Armed Forces and, on rare occasions, the Police. Still, the relevant agencies have not followed the directions.
According to PRNigeria’s findings, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Federal Fire Service (FFS) are the main perpetrators for disregarding the ban and incorporating camouflage uniforms into their dress codes.
(PR Nigeria)