“Fraudsters soliciting funds for Nigerian Army Day celebration” – Army warns

The Nigerian Army has issued a warning to the public against fraudsters who impersonate the institution to solicit funds for the upcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Army said unscrupulous individuals and criminal syndicates are circulating fake letters, proposals, and sponsorship requests to individuals, banks, corporate organisations, and government agencies, falsely claiming to represent the Army.

The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Anele stated that the Army has not authorised any individual or group to raise funds on its behalf for the celebration.

“NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from 1 to 6 July 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,” the statement read.

The Army urged members of the public, financial institutions, and organisations to exercise extreme caution and disregard any unsolicited requests for donations, sponsorships, or partnerships made in its name.

“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,” it warned.

The Army encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious communications to the nearest military formation or security agency.

It noted that the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and other security agencies have intensified efforts to track and arrest those behind the scam.