The Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to the general public regarding a surge in fake social media profiles impersonating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu. This alert follows the discovery of several fraudulent accounts designed to look like official pages, created by individuals looking to exploit the high-ranking officer’s identity for criminal gain.
In a statement released on Friday and shared with Reports, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, clarified that the Chief of Army Staff does not actually operate any official accounts on any social media platform. The Army made it clear that any profile claiming to be him is entirely illegitimate and should be treated with extreme suspicion.
The military authorities noted that these imposters are using the fake handles to deceive people, solicit money, and spread false information. By using the COAS’s name and image, these scammers attempt to lend an air of authority to their fraudulent schemes, which often involve promising assistance or favors in exchange for cash.
Col. Anele urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and exercise caution when navigating the digital space. She advised everyone to ignore, report, or avoid interacting with any content coming from these accounts. Any request for financial help or sensitive information purportedly coming from the COAS is a clear red flag and should be dismissed as a scam.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has already initiated steps to track down and arrest those responsible for these impersonations. The goal is to ensure that those behind the digital fraud are prosecuted according to the law. While these investigations continue, the Army reiterated its dedication to its core mission of protecting the nation and ensuring the safety of all citizens as mandated by the constitution.
