A viral video currently circulating on social media has ignited widespread debate after it captured the moment some military personnel confronted a young woman for wearing camouflage trousers, a fashion choice that has long been controversial in Nigeria due to its association with the armed forces.
In the footage, the lady is seen being stopped by a group of soldiers who took issue with her wearing military-style camouflage.
As a form of punishment, they reportedly ordered her to remove the trousers in the presence of passersby. Thankfully, the woman was wearing shorts underneath and complied with the instruction to undress. The soldiers then instructed her to leave the trousers on the ground and issued her a stern warning before letting her go.
The incident has triggered mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning both the legality and the morality of the soldiers’ actions.
Public Reactions: Divided Opinions
While some users doubted the authenticity of the video, suggesting it might have been staged for content, others condemned the soldiers’ actions, labeling them as unlawful and humiliating.
Here’s a cross-section of online reactions:
- @officialkelvinpower: “Why didn’t you show the soldiers’ faces?”
- @noni_lingerie: “Who wears tights under jeans unless you’re plus-sized? Try another content.”
- @optimist.ibk: “This would never be acceptable in a sane and lawful country. Soldiers should protect, not humiliate.”
- @almancho1: “In other countries, people wear this stuff freely.”
- @qwinomoruyi: “Men suffer o! If it were a man, the beating would’ve been intense.”
- @official_sojaqueen: “This looks like content creation. Real soldiers are kind and professional.”
- @vivianmercy92: “Imagine if it were me — I don’t wear tights under my trousers.”
- @charleselibeofficial: “This is outrageous. Those involved should be sacked and prosecuted.”
Ongoing Debate About Camouflage Laws
In Nigeria, wearing military camouflage is prohibited by law for civilians, and offenders have often been subjected to harassment by security operatives. However, the enforcement of this law — particularly when it involves public shaming or humiliation — continues to spark legal and ethical concerns.
The Nigerian Army is yet to release an official statement addressing the viral footage or clarifying whether the soldiers in the video acted in accordance with military protocol.
