The Nigerian Army has issued a public warning over the proliferation of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
In a press release on Friday, the Army described the development as “disturbing,” noting that unscrupulous individuals are creating and operating fraudulent accounts in the name of the COAS to deceive members of the public.
The Army categorically stated that Lieutenant General Shaibu does not maintain any official social media presence on any platform.
“The Chief of Army Staff does not have any official social media account,” the statement said, urging Nigerians to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant against scammers.
According to the Army, the fake accounts are being used to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds, and spread misinformation under the guise of the COAS or the Nigerian Army. Members of the public were advised not to engage with, respond to, or share information from such accounts.
The statement further disclosed that the Nigerian Army has commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.
Reassuring Nigerians, the Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives of citizens and protecting the country’s territorial integrity, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
