The Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to members of the public against engaging with fake social media accounts fraudulently created in the name of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of a growing pattern of online impersonation targeting senior military officers for criminal purposes.
In a statement released on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, through the Nigerian Army’s official handle on X, the military disclosed that it had observed a disturbing increase in the activities of unscrupulous individuals who create and operate fake online accounts purportedly associated with the Chief of Army Staff for fraudulent purposes.
The Army categorically stated that Lieutenant General Shaibu does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform, stressing that any account claiming to represent him or his office is fake and should be disregarded by the public. The clarification comes amid mounting concerns over the proliferation of fake accounts impersonating high-ranking government and military officials across various social media platforms in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the fake accounts are often used to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds under false pretences, or spread misinformation in the name of the Nigerian Army. “Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant, as the fake accounts are often used to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds, or spread misinformation in the name of the Nigerian Army,” the statement read.
The Army urged Nigerians not to engage with, respond to, or share content from such accounts, warning that doing so could expose individuals to scams and other criminal activities. The proliferation of impersonation accounts has become a recurring challenge for public institutions and high-profile individuals in Nigeria, with fraudsters exploiting the credibility and authority associated with military and government positions to deceive victims.
The statement further disclosed that necessary steps are being taken to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in accordance with extant laws. While the Army did not provide specific details on the ongoing investigations, the warning signals the military’s intent to pursue legal action against perpetrators of the fraud.
The Nigerian Army reassured citizens of its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, as well as safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The statement emphasised that the institution remains focused on its constitutional mandate and will not be distracted by criminal elements seeking to undermine public trust through impersonation and misinformation.
