The Nigerian Army has cautioned the public against fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be operated by, or linked to, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the Army said it had recorded a rise in fraudulent online activities by individuals impersonating the COAS for deceptive purposes.
The Army clarified that the Chief of Army Staff does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform, warning that any account making such a claim is false and should be ignored.
According to the statement, the fake accounts are often used to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, solicit money, or spread misinformation in the name of the Nigerian Army.
“Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant,” the Army said, urging Nigerians not to engage with, respond to, or share content from such accounts to avoid falling victim to scams or other criminal activities.
The statement added that steps are being taken to identify and apprehend those behind the impersonation, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.
The Army also reassured Nigerians of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and to defending the country’s territorial integrity, in accordance with the Constitution.
