The Nigerian Army has disowned ongoing fundraising and sponsorship solicitations being carried out in the name of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

Army warned the public against falling victim to fraudsters.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col.

Anele said the Army had become aware of the activities of unscrupulous individuals and criminal syndicates circulating fake letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to individuals, financial institutions, corporate organisations and government agencies.

According to her, the fraudsters falsely claim to represent the Nigerian Army and seek financial support for NADCEL 2026.

She said the Army categorically and unequivocally dissociated itself from any request for funds, sponsorship, donations or partnerships not expressly authorised through official Nigerian Army 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.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NADCEL 2026, scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 6 in commemoration of the 163rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army, is an official event.

“All legitimate communications regarding the celebration are strictly conveyed through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms and channels,” she said.

Anele urged members of the public, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise caution and vigilance by verifying any request purportedly made on behalf of the Army.

She warned the public not to respond to, engage with or honour unsolicited financial requests made in the name of the Nigerian Army without proper verification.

According to her, the Nigerian Army does not condone, authorise or support any form of fundraising by individuals or groups acting in its name.

The Army spokesperson also issued a strong warning to anyone impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitation, saying such persons would be tracked, arrested and prosecuted.

She encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious communications, requests or activities to the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority.

Anele said the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other relevant security agencies, had intensified efforts to identify and bring those involved in the fraudulent activities to justice.

She reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting the public from exploitation and appreciated Nigerians for their vigilance, cooperation and continued support.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on media professionals to take the lead in combating misinformation and fake news, stressing that dominance of the information space is essential for strengthening national security and achieving operational success.

Speaking at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026 on Tuesday at the Army War College Nigeria, the Army Chief described strategic communication as a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said effective media integration has become indispensable to joint and multi-agency operations, particularly in an era where public perception can significantly influence security outcomes.

He noted that the media plays a vital role in shaping narratives, building public confidence and preventing adversaries from exploiting information gaps through misinformation and disinformation.

According to the COAS, sustained engagement with the media and the public has become a strategic necessity across all theatres of operation, adding that transparent and proactive communication enhances credibility, fosters trust and strengthens the nation’s security framework.

Addressing the workshop theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” Shaibu described the event as timely and relevant, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, adopt global best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and develop coordinated strategies to counter false narratives.

The Army Chief highlighted recent operational gains recorded by the Nigerian Army through improved inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and unified planning, stressing that such achievements must be effectively communicated to the public to sustain confidence and prevent the distortion of operational realities.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order, while commending the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, for her efforts in strengthening the Army’s strategic communication capabilities.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance towards enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Earlier, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the workshop was designed to address the evolving security environment, where threats increasingly extend beyond the battlefield into the information domain.

She warned that fake news, misinformation, disinformation and Artificial Intelligence-generated content pose significant risks to national security, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to ensure accurate information dissemination and national cohesion.

Anele also thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his commitment to personnel development, modernization and strategic communication, which she said has positioned the Nigerian Army to effectively confront both current and emerging security challenges.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said civilian protection has become a central consideration in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations.

Aneke stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic-level officers, organised by the Civil Military Relations Branch.

He called for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.

Aneke said that modern warfare required a shift in mindset, stressing that success in operations was no longer defined only by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives.

“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.

The CAS said personnel must strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian harm.

He added that civilian harm mitigation was not a limitation to operational effectiveness but a strategic enabler that improves precision, accountability and decision-making.

According to him, incidents arising from military operations—whether confirmed or alleged—have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy.

Aneke said the seminar was designed to deepen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for decision-making in fast-changing operational contexts.

He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, noting that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the seminar marked a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in air and joint operations.

Gabkwet described the forum as the first of its kind in the NAF at the strategic level, aimed at deepening institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response.

He noted that contemporary security operations were increasingly complex, with civilians often present in operational environments, making it imperative for personnel to adopt deliberate measures to minimise harm.

According to him, effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, stressing that it cannot be achieved in isolation.

“This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” he said.

He added that the initiative reflected the NAF’s commitment to evolving in line with modern operational realities and global best practices.

The seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for minimising civilian harm while enhancing operational effectiveness.