Nigerian Army Warns Public Against Fake Social Media Accounts Linked to Chief of Army Staff

The Nigerian Army has issued a public warning over the growing 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 statement signed on Thursday by the  Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele in Abuja, the Army described the development as disturbing, noting that the accounts are being operated by unscrupulous individuals with the intent to deceive the public. The Army clarified that the Chief of Army Staff does not maintain any official presence on any social media platform.

According to the statement, members of the public should remain vigilant and avoid engaging with such accounts, as they may be used to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds, or spread misinformation in the name of the COAS or the Nigerian Army. The Army urged the public not to respond to messages, share content, or provide personal information to such accounts.

The Nigerian Army further disclosed that it has commenced necessary actions to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.

Reassuring Nigerians, the Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of citizens and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.