The Nigerian Army has raised an alarm over the proliferation of fake social media accounts falsely linked to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, warning Nigerians to disregard such platforms and avoid engagement.
In a statement released on Friday via the Nigerian Army’s official X handle, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said the military had recorded a surge in fraudulent online accounts created by criminal elements impersonating the COAS for deceptive purposes.
Anele stressed that Lieutenant General Shaibu does not operate or maintain any personal or official social media account on any platform, describing all accounts bearing his name or image as fake.
“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 said.
The Army cautioned Nigerians against responding to messages, sharing content, or engaging in any form of interaction with such accounts, warning that doing so could expose them to scams and other criminal schemes.
The statement added that security agencies have commenced efforts to trace those behind the impersonation, with a view to arresting and prosecuting them in line with existing laws.
Reaffirming its constitutional mandate, the Nigerian Army assured the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, while urging citizens to report suspicious online activities to relevant authorities.
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