The Nigerian Army has issued a public warning over fraudulent social media accounts impersonating a senior military officer and attempting to deceive unsuspecting members of the public through false representations and online scams.
In a statement released on May 24, the Army said it had become aware of activities by fraudsters operating fake accounts, particularly on Facebook, using the identity of the Deputy Chief of Standards and Evaluation (Army), Major General Raymond Terungwa Utsaha. The scammers were also reported to be using the photograph of the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, in an apparent attempt to lend credibility to their actions.
The Army described the accounts as fraudulent and created with malicious intent.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the said Facebook accounts are fake and were created with malicious intent to defraud individuals through false representations and unauthorised online engagements,” the statement said.
The military authority cautioned members of the public against engaging with such accounts, warning them to ignore communications, friend requests, financial demands, or any form of unofficial interaction originating from the fake profiles.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard any communication, friend requests, financial solicitations or unofficial engagements originating from such fraudulent accounts,” it stated.
The Army further emphasised that senior military officers do not conduct official matters or financial dealings through personal social media platforms.
“The Nigerian Army further reiterates that senior military officers do not conduct official transactions, award contracts, request financial assistance or engage in sensitive official matters through personal social media platforms or unofficial online channels,” the statement added.
The Army urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant security agencies, assuring the public of ongoing efforts to combat cyber impersonation and related crimes.
“Accordingly, the general public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious accounts or activities to the appropriate security agencies. The Nigerian Army will continue to monitor and take necessary measures against individuals or groups involved in cyber impersonation and related fraudulent activities,” the Army said.
