Army Issues Warning Over Fake NADCEL 2026 Fundraising Schemes

The army has raised the alarm over fraudulent activities by individuals and groups, allegedly soliciting funds from the public and organisations under the guise of supporting the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, signed by the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the army disclosed that fraudsters have been circulating fake letters, sponsorship proposals and other documents claiming to represent the institution.

The army said the fraudulent requests are targeted at individuals, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies, with demands for financial contributions, donations and partnerships for the forthcoming celebration.

It warned that any request for funds or sponsorship that does not come through officially authorised Nigerian Army channels should be regarded as fraudulent.

“The Nigerian Army categorically and unequivocally states that any 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,” the statement read.

The military explained that NADCEL 2026, scheduled to take place from July 1 to 6, 2026, is an official event marking the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, all legitimate information and communication concerning the celebration will only be released through verified Nigerian Army platforms.

Colonel Anele urged the public to exercise caution and properly verify any correspondence claiming to originate from the Nigerian Army before responding or making any financial commitments.

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

The army further warned that persons involved in impersonation, document forgery or fraudulent solicitation would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in line with existing laws.

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

The statement added that relevant security bodies, including the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and Military Police, are collaborating to track down those behind the fraudulent schemes and bring them to justice.