The Nigerian Army has cautioned the public to be wary of fraudulent social media accounts falsely claiming to be linked to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
According to a statement issued on Friday on the Nigerian Army’s X handle by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the Army has noticed a troubling surge in the activities of individuals creating and using pseudo online accounts bearing the name of the COAS to perpetrate scams.
The Army further clarified that the Chief of Army Staff does not manage any official social media account on any platform, emphasizing that any account suggesting otherwise is fraudulent and should not be interacted with.
The Statement read, “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 Army advised the public to refrain from interacting with, replying to, or sharing posts from such accounts, also cautioning that individuals who continue to do so may be defrauded or caught in other criminal acts.
It added that measures are being taken to identify and apprehend the individuals operating the fraudulent accounts, so they can be prosecuted in line with relevant laws.
The statement reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to defend the lives and property of Nigerians and preserve the nation in line with constitutional provisions.