In response to the escalating insecurity in the nation, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to the President, has issued a directive prohibiting personnel of specific Para-Military Services from wearing camouflage uniforms with immediate effect.
A reliable source within the security sector disclosed to Newsmen in Abuja on Saturday that Ribadu’s directive was conveyed in a circular dated January 16, 2024, and addressed to the Honorable Minister of Interior for comprehensive 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.
The circular specifically instructs the Federal Ministry of Interior to promptly retrieve all camouflage uniforms from security and law enforcement agencies under its purview.
It singles out agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service, among others, mandating them to cease using camouflage uniforms.
Citing concerns over the accessibility of camouflage outfits to criminals and impostors, the NSA emphasised the need to enforce the ban placed on such uniforms by security agencies, except the Armed Forces and the Police, during special occasions like joint operations.
The circular referenced a recent unfortunate attack in Plateau State, where perpetrators were reportedly clad in camouflage uniforms, reinforcing the urgency to strictly implement the ban.
The NSA urged the Interior Minister to implement stringent measures to ensure compliance with the ban across all security and enforcement establishments under his jurisdiction.
While the directive is silent on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Department of State Service (DSS), concerns over the surge in the use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies prompted the move. The Federal Government has historically implemented measures to restrict the use of camouflage uniforms to the Armed Forces and, on special occasions, the police.
