The National Security Adviser to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed deep concern about the increasing insecurity in the country.
In response to this, he has issued a directive to halt the use of camouflage uniforms by certain Para-Military Services with immediate effect.
According to a reliable source in the security sector, the directive was conveyed through a circular dated January 16, 2024, and was specifically addressed to the Honorable Minister of Interior for strict implementation.
The circular, titled “Observation on Proliferation in the Use of Camouflage Uniforms by Other Security Agencies in Nigeria,” was personally signed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
In the circular, the Federal Ministry of Interior is instructed to promptly withdraw all camouflage uniforms from security and law enforcement agencies under its supervision.
Notably, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service are among the agencies instructed to cease using camouflage uniforms.
Mallam Ribadu emphasized that the widespread use of camouflaged uniforms by these security and law enforcement agencies poses a significant risk by making the attire easily accessible to criminals and impostors. This, he argued, exacerbates the already challenging security situation in the country.
The circular referenced a recent unfortunate incident in Plateau State, where attackers were reportedly dressed in camouflage uniforms.
This incident underscored the necessity of enforcing the ban on camouflage uniforms for security agencies other than the Armed Forces and the Police, especially during joint operations.
The National Security Adviser urged the Interior Minister to take decisive measures to ensure strict compliance with the ban on camouflage uniforms.
Stringent measures should be implemented to uphold and enforce the directive across all security and enforcement establishments under the Ministry’s supervision.
The Office of the National Security Adviser has received numerous concerns about the rising use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces and, on special occasions, the Nigeria Police.
Over the years, the Federal Government has implemented several measures to restrict the use of camouflage uniforms to the Armed Forces and, on specific occasions, the Police.
It is noteworthy that the circular did not address the status of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Department of State Service (DSS) regarding the use of camouflage uniforms.
