The Nigerian Army has warned members of the public against fraudulent individuals and groups falsely soliciting funds in the name of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army said criminal syndicates have been circulating fake letters, sponsorship proposals and donation requests to individuals, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies.
According to the Army, the impostors falsely claim to represent the military and seek financial support for NADCEL 2026, an official event scheduled to take place from July 1 to July 6, 2026, to mark the institution’s 163rd anniversary.
“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.”
The Army stressed that all legitimate information relating to the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 is communicated only through recognised and verifiable official channels. It advised organisations and individuals to verify any request before taking action and to ignore unsolicited financial demands purportedly made on behalf of the institution.
The statement further emphasised that the Nigerian Army neither authorises nor supports fundraising activities carried out by private individuals or groups using its name.
“The Nigerian Army does not condone, authorise or support any form of fundraising by individuals or groups acting in its name,” it stated.
The military also warned that anyone involved in impersonation, document forgery or fraudulent fundraising activities would face prosecution. It urged the public to report suspicious communications or requests to the nearest military formation or relevant law enforcement agency.
The warning comes as preparations continue for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026, with authorities seeking to protect the public from fraud and preserve the integrity of the event.
