The Nigerian Army has warned the public about a cybercriminal impersonating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on various social media platforms.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and ignore any messages, requests or communications claiming to originate from the COAS through unofficial channels.
Colonel Anele described the development as worrisome, noting a growing trend of fake social media accounts operated by individuals falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the Chief of Army Staff.
She emphasised that the impersonation is completely fraudulent and reaffirmed that the COAS does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform.
The Army spokesperson cautioned members of the public against engaging with such accounts, warning that they are often used to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit money or spread misinformation in the name of the COAS or the Nigerian Army.
She advised Nigerians not to respond to, interact with or share content from the fake accounts, but to promptly report them to relevant authorities.
Colonel Anele added that the Nigerian Army has begun taking necessary steps to identify and apprehend those behind the fraudulent activities, with a view to prosecuting them in accordance with the law.
