The Nigerian Army has apprehended a man identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General and falsely presenting himself as a former senior officer of the Service.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army disclosed that preliminary investigations confirmed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and never held the rank of General or any other rank within the Service.
According to the Army, the suspect also falsely claimed to have attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and to be a recipient of the national honour, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). Authorities said these claims were thoroughly investigated and found to be entirely fabricated.
The Army further alleged that Abdul Rauf used the false credentials to intimidate members of the public and gain undue influence, including during court proceedings where he reportedly presented himself as a retired senior military officer.
During interrogation, investigators reportedly recovered media publications from two national newspapers in which the suspect was described as a “retired Major General.” One of the reports, published by Premium Times, allegedly referred to him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit he filed against the Lagos State Government and others, seeking ₦8 billion in damages.
Another report by the Independent Newspaper dated November 9, 2020, also reportedly identified him as a retired Major General while covering his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit. The court had earlier described the case as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law.
The Nigerian Army categorically stated that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever attained the rank of Major General or above.
The Army condemned the alleged impersonation, describing it as a serious offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the integrity of officers who have legitimately served the country.
It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of its ranks and honours, warning that individuals found impersonating military personnel or unlawfully wearing military uniforms and insignia would face the full weight of the law.
The Army also urged members of the public to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report suspicious representations to security agencies.
The statement reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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