By Samuel Malik

The Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, has restricted the use of camouflage uniforms only to the military, effectively banning other security agencies from donning the attire.

The ban extends to the Nigeria Police Force, which is only permitted to use camouflage when on a joint operation with the military – Army, Navy and Air Force – or “on special operation such as specific anti-riot missions.”

According to the statement issued by defence spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, the directive emanated from the National Security Council and will come into effect from January 2016.

“This followed the directive of the National Security Council, as it approved the recommendations of a committee on measures to streamline the use of camouflage uniforms, in view of the security implications and concerns raised on the clamour, duplicity and proliferation of camouflage uniforms in the country. The use of camouflage/fatigue is therefore restricted to the military and for occasional use by the police henceforth,” the statement read.

According to Olukolade, the “proliferation and imitation by criminals and impostors” necessitated the need to restrict the use of camouflage and the military is expected to adopt only two types of camouflage for its three arms. Currently, each arm has its own camouflage.

The statement also added that the NSA will now be responsible for vetting and clearing of any production and distribution of camouflage, while law enforcement agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, have been directed to ensure compliance with the regulation.