The Nigerian Tribune has reported that the National Security Adviser to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, has taken action in response to the concerning rise in insecurity within the country. In a circular dated 16th Jan 2024, Ribadu ordered the immediate cessation of personnel from certain paramilitary services wearing camouflage uniforms.
This directive, personally signed by Ribadu, was addressed to the Honorable Minister of Interior for full enforcement.
The circular specifically instructed the Federal Ministry of Interior to promptly retrieve all camouflage uniforms from security and law enforcement agencies under its supervision.
The circular, titled “Observation on Proliferation in the Use of Camouflage Uniforms by Other Security Agencies in Nigeria,” highlighted that the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Federal Fire Service, among others, must discontinue the use of camouflage uniforms as per the directive issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The proliferation of camouflaged uniforms by security and law enforcement agencies has caught the attention of the NSA, who has observed that this trend not only makes it easier for criminals and impostors to access these outfits but also worsens the already challenging security situation in the country.
The recent attack in Plateau State, where the perpetrators were reportedly dressed in camouflage uniforms, serves as a prime example of this issue. To address this concern, the NSA has emphasized the importance of strictly enforcing the ban on camouflage uniforms for security agencies other than the Armed Forces and the Police, particularly during joint operations.
The Interior Minister has been urged to take necessary actions and implement stringent measures to ensure compliance with this ban by all security and enforcement establishments under his supervision.
While the circular did not mention the Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Service, concerns have been raised about their use of camouflage uniforms as well. The Federal Government has previously taken steps to restrict the use of these uniforms to the Armed Forces and the Police, especially on special occasions.
