The Nigerian Army (NA) has denied allegations of soliciting funds under the guise of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
It said impostors have been circulating fake letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to individuals, financial institutions, corporate organisations and government agencies, falsely claiming to represent the Nigerian Army and seeking financial support for NADCEL 2026.
According to a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director, Army Public Relations, on Wednesday evening, “The Nigerian Army wishes to urgently alert the general public to the activities of unscrupulous individuals and criminal syndicates who are fraudulently soliciting funds. 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.”
According to the statement, NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from July 1 to 6, 2026, in commemoration of the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, is an official event. All legitimate communications regarding the celebration are strictly conveyed through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms and channels.
It therefore informed the general public, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies that they should exercise extreme caution and vigilance and not respond to, engage with or honour any unsolicited financial request made in the name of the Nigerian Army without proper verification.
“The Nigerian Army does not condone, authorise or support any form of fundraising by individuals or groups acting in its name,” it stated.
The statement warned that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitation would be relentlessly pursued, apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It also urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious communication, request or activity to the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority.
