The Nigerian Army has cautioned members of the public against fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be operated by or affiliated with the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
In a statement released on Friday via the Nigerian Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said the Army had noticed a surge in fraudulent online activities carried out by individuals impersonating the COAS.
According to Anele, these impostors create fake accounts to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, solicit funds, and spread misinformation under the guise of the Nigerian Army.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that the Chief of Army Staff does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform,” the statement said. “Any account claiming to represent or be associated with the COAS is fake and should be completely disregarded.”
The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with such accounts, warning that interaction could expose individuals to scams and other criminal activities.
“Members of the public are advised not to engage with, respond to, or share content from these fake accounts, as they are often used for fraudulent purposes,” Anele added.
She further disclosed that the Army has commenced efforts to track down those behind the impersonation, with the aim of arresting and prosecuting them in line with existing laws.
Reassuring citizens, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to national security.
“The Army remains resolute in its duty to protect the lives and property of Nigerians and to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
