NIGERIA: Army Warns Public Against Fraudulent 2026 Army Day Fundraising Requests

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm over the activities of fraudsters and criminal syndicates allegedly soliciting funds from individuals, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies under the guise of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the impostors have been circulating fake letters, sponsorship proposals and donation requests falsely claiming to represent the military and seeking financial support for the forthcoming celebration.

The Army categorically disowned all unauthorized requests for funds, sponsorships, donations or partnerships made in its name, describing them as fraudulent and criminal.

It clarified that NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 6 to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, is an official event and that all legitimate communications concerning the celebration would only be conveyed through recognised and verifiable military channels.

The Army urged members of the public to exercise caution and verify any request purportedly originating from the institution before responding.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Army does not authorise any individual or group to raise funds on its behalf and warned that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitation would be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Army further disclosed that it is working with the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other security agencies to identify and track those behind the scam. It also called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious communications or activities to the nearest military formation or law enforcement agency.