Keep off our uniform, military warns public ******************************** The military has warned members of the public against indiscriminate use of its uniform and other kit, saying such unauthorised use is aiding crime. The Commander, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.- Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, said this at a press conference at the Ikeja Military Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Wednesday. He explained that the warning became necessary because of the growing number of people impersonating armed forces personnel to perpetrate nefarious activities in the state. The general added that cases of criminals using military camouflage to commit crime had increased, saying the development was undermining the security of the state. He said, “Residents must be wary of people who impersonate military officials to commit crime. If any member of the public sees any person in uniform that does not conform to what you know, it is always good to ask him to show you his identity card but if he behaves in a suspicious manner you can report to the nearest police station or military base. “All our phones have cameras now and we urge the members of public to effectively use their camera phones especially when they happen to be in vicinity where criminal activities are being committed.” The commander noted that one of the major ways the armed forces was being abused was the use of military outfit by youths for social activities. He said, “You see them when they go to club and party putting on military camouflage. You see somebody putting on a trouser and a camouflaged T-shirt. This is not allowed. “We will try as much as possible to make sure that military type of uniform is used by the military and that will help us improve our duties of checking criminality not only in Lagos State but in the country.” Oyebade blamed the proliferation of armed forces kit on smuggling, adding that all hands were on deck to stem the tide. He agreed that there were isolated cases of conflict between military officials and the civilians, adding that such was not unusual in an environment as vibrant as Lagos. The 9 brigade commander said, “But largely members of the public enjoy good relation with the military. If you ask any military personnel for their identity, they will identify themselves. “But when that person becomes unnecessarily violent, it is an indication that the person might be an impostor. Then, you can talk to any policeman within the vicinity or report to any military base.” Oyabade was flanked at the event by the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Commodore Ezekoba and Commander, 435 Base Support Group, Air Commodore S.J Wulcangha.