Nigerian Army denies fundraising allegations tied to NADCEL 2026

The Nigerian Army (NA) has denied claims that it is soliciting funds under the banner of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

The army says that impostors are distributing fraudulent letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to private individuals, financial institutions, corporate organisations and government agencies, falsely asserting that they represent the Nigerian Army and seeking money for NADCEL 2026.

In a statement released by Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director of Army Public Relations, on Wednesday evening, the army warned the public about “unscrupulous individuals and criminal syndicates who are fraudulently soliciting funds.” The statement added, “The Nigerian Army categorically and unequivocally states that any such request for funds, sponsorship, donations or partnerships that is not expressly authorized through official Nigerian Army channels is fraudulent and should be treated as a criminal act.”

The statement also clarified that NADCEL 2026, scheduled to run from July 1 to 6, 2026 in commemoration of the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, is an official event. All legitimate communications about the celebration are transmitted exclusively through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms and channels.

Accordingly, the army urged the public, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise extreme caution and vigilance, and not to respond to, engage with or honour any unsolicited financial request made in the name of the Nigerian Army without proper verification.

“The Nigerian Army does not condone, authorise or support any form of fundraising by individuals or groups acting in its name,” the statement read.

The army warned that anyone found impersonating the institution, forging official documents or engaging in fraudulent solicitation would be relentlessly pursued, apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It also urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious communication, request or activity to the nearest military formation, security agency or law enforcement authority.