A security stakeholder, Ambassador Hussaini Coomassie, has called on the Federal Government to permit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to wear camouflage uniforms during specialised operational duties.
In an appeal addressed to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Coomassie urged the government to review the current policy restricting the use of camouflage uniforms by the affected agencies, arguing that evolving security threats require frontline personnel to be adequately equipped for high-risk operations.
He said the Nigeria Immigration Service, in particular, plays a vital role in border security through patrols, joint security operations, combating illegal migration, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and other transnational crimes.
According to him, officers deployed to remote border communities, forests and other dangerous operational environments should be provided with tactical field uniforms suitable for the assignments they undertake alongside other security agencies.
Coomassie noted that camouflage uniforms are not merely ceremonial attire but operational gear designed to enhance effectiveness, improve concealment where necessary, strengthen unit identity, boost morale and inspire confidence among officers carrying out hazardous duties.
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service and the NSCDC also perform specialised security operations that may require the use of tactical operational uniforms during approved missions.
The security advocate observed that immigration and border security agencies in several countries, including some of Nigeria’s neighbours, wear camouflage or other tactical uniforms while conducting border protection operations.
He stressed that his appeal was not intended to fuel inter-agency rivalry or create controversy over uniforms but to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by ensuring frontline agencies are adequately equipped for their responsibilities.
Coomassie maintained that providing appropriate operational uniforms, protective gear and equipment to officers deployed in conflict-prone and high-risk areas would improve their confidence, welfare and overall performance.
He urged the National Security Adviser to initiate a comprehensive review of the existing policy in line with contemporary security realities, saying Nigeria’s border security institutions deserve every legitimate support necessary to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and national security.
According to him, a well-equipped officer is better prepared to confront security threats, while a well-supported security agency is better positioned to protect the nation.
