The Nigerian Army has warned members of the public, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies against responding to fraudulent requests for funds being circulated in the name of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
The warning followed reports that some individuals and criminal groups have been sending fake letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to unsuspecting people and organisations while falsely claiming to represent the Nigerian Army.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army categorically denied authorising any fundraising campaign for the forthcoming celebration.
According to the statement, the fraudsters have been using the name of the Nigerian Army and the planned NADCEL 2026 activities to seek financial support from individuals, businesses and government institutions.
“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 statement said.
It added that the Army had not authorised any individual, group or organisation to seek donations, sponsorships or financial partnerships on its behalf outside officially approved channels.
“The Nigerian Army categorically and unequivocally states that any such request for funds, sponsorship, donations or partnerships that is not expressly authorised through official Nigerian Army channels is fraudulent and should be treated as a criminal act,” the statement noted.
The Army stressed that all legitimate communications relating to NADCEL 2026 would be conveyed only through recognised and verifiable official platforms.
NADCEL is an annual event organised by the Nigerian Army to commemorate its establishment and honour the sacrifices of serving and retired personnel. The celebration usually features military parades, exhibitions, community outreach programs, remembrance activities and other events aimed at strengthening civil-military relations.
The 2026 edition is scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 6, 2026, as part of activities marking the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
The Army said the celebration remains an official national event and that any communication concerning the program should be verified through its approved channels before any action is taken.
Military authorities urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the reputation of the institution for personal gain.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of forged documents and fake identities by criminals to defraud members of the public. Security agencies have repeatedly cautioned citizens and organisations to verify requests involving financial transactions, particularly when such requests are linked to government institutions, security agencies or public offices.
According to the Army, individuals and organisations should not respond to unsolicited requests for sponsorship, donations or financial contributions made in the name of NADCEL or the Nigerian Army without proper verification.
It further stated that the institution does not condone, support or authorise any form of fundraising by private individuals or groups claiming to act on its behalf.
“The Nigerian Army does not condone, authorise or support any form of fundraising by individuals or groups acting in its name,” the statement highlighted.
The Army also warned that severe consequences await anyone caught impersonating military authorities, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent activities linked to the institution.
It said security agencies would pursue those behind the scam and ensure they face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Military authorities assured the public that efforts were already being intensified to identify and apprehend those responsible for the fraudulent scheme.
The statement warned that anyone found impersonating the Nigerian Army or using forged documents to solicit funds would be relentlessly pursued, arrested and prosecuted.
The Army also appealed to citizens to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious messages, letters, emails or financial requests purportedly coming from the military.
Members of the public were advised to promptly notify the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority whenever they encounter such communications.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in all its official activities and urged Nigerians to remain cautious when dealing with requests involving money or sponsorships.
As preparations continue for NADCEL 2026, the Army maintained that all official information concerning the celebration would be released through recognised military channels and that any contrary request should be treated as fraudulent.