The Nigerian Army has warned the public to the existence of fraudulent social media accounts falsely claiming to belong to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
Anele said the army had observed a disturbing rise in fake online accounts created by unscrupulous individuals who impersonate the Chief of Army Staff for criminal and fraudulent purposes.
She clarified that Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform, stressing that any page or account bearing his name is fake.
According to her, the impostors use the accounts to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, solicit money, spread false information, and perpetrate other illegal activities in the name of the Army Chief and the Nigerian Army.
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She urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and advised the public not to engage with, respond to, or share content from such fraudulent accounts.
“Any request for money, assistance, or personal information purportedly made in the name of the Chief of Army Staff should be treated as a scam,” Anele warned.
The army spokesperson added that efforts are underway to identify, track, and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, noting that perpetrators will be prosecuted in line with existing laws.
“The Nigerian army reassures Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and defending the territorial integrity of the nation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she stated.
