The Nigerian Air Force has put out a strong warning to members of the police force, paramilitary and civilians to cease using military camouflages or face the consequences.
Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed gave the warning while unveiling the harmonised military woodland camouflage at the command’s headquarters in Lagos.
The woodland camouflages are specific for operations in the southern part of the country while the other set, the desert camouflages are for operations in the northern part of the nation.
Muhammed revealed that even though the service was still expecting delivery of 9,000 pairs of camouflages for the region, 4,000 were already in circulation among Air Force personnel in the South.
He stated that the harmonised camouflage was necessary as there was the need to stop the proliferation of military uniforms by non-military agencies and civilians which according to him has dangerous implications for the security of the nation.
“The police and other civil security agencies and paramilitary are not supposed to use camouflage. The only time the police is allowed to use camouflage is when they are in joint operations with the military.
“All the agencies have been duly notified and the military will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found using camouflage,” he said.
Despite the fact that the camouflages were sourced by local manufacturers and coupled together outside the country, Muhammed revealed that the military was making plans to ensure that kits will be produced within the country.
“The Nigerian Air Force is expecting to distribute 13,000 pairs of the woodland camouflage in a few weeks. The initial delivery of 4,000 pairs has been distributed to personnel on internal security duties in the southern part of Nigeria.
“On completion of the issuance to all NAF personnel, the old camouflage will be retrieved and destroyed.
“Over the years, the various armed services of Nigeria had used different shades of camouflage for military operations and exercises. Akin to this, was the proliferation of camouflage among several security, paramilitary and civil security outfits. The harmonisation is expected to promote unity among the armed services, as well as foster comradeship and inter-service cooperation,” he said.
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