October 15, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has warned members of the public, particularly students, against the unauthorised use of military camouflage and other accoutrements, describing it as a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
The warning followed reports alleging that a Taraba State University student, Mr. Yebsonya Gamboro, was unlawfully arrested by soldiers on Friday, October 10, 2025.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), the Army dismissed claims of unlawful arrest, explaining that the incident had been misrepresented on social media.
According to the statement, Mr. Gamboro was not among the students earlier questioned by troops for wearing military camouflage during a social event within the university. The students involved in that initial encounter were released after routine questioning.
However, the Army clarified that a separate altercation later occurred when Mr. Gamboro was again seen wearing camouflage and was confronted by a fellow student, Manga Emmanuel, a 200-level Computer Science student who is also a serving military personnel.
The confrontation reportedly escalated into a fight, during which Mr. Emmanuel’s mobile phone went missing.
“Following the incident, some of Mr. Emmanuel’s colleagues assisted in bringing Mr. Gamboro to the Brigade for questioning. He was released the following morning and handed over to the University Security Officer for further administrative investigation aimed at recovering the missing phone,” the statement read.
The 6 Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, due process, and maintaining cordial relations with the Taraba State University community and other civil institutions in the state.
While reiterating its zero tolerance for misconduct by troops, the Army emphasised that the unauthorised use of military uniforms remains a punishable offence under Nigerian law.
Citing the law, Lieutenant Muhammad noted that “Section 110 (1) and Section 251 of the Criminal Code Act (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) prohibit any person who is not a serving member of the Armed Forces from wearing or using military uniforms or accoutrements.”
The Army urged students and members of the public to desist from such unlawful acts to avoid unnecessary confrontations and legal consequences.
