The Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to the public about a growing number of fake social media accounts that falsely claim to represent the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The army said these fraudulent pages are being used to deceive people, spread misinformation and even carry out criminal acts in the name of the army’s top officer.
In a statement posted on the official Nigerian Army X account this week, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the impersonators have become increasingly active. She emphasised that Lt-Gen Shaibu does not maintain any personal social media profile on platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram or others, and any account claiming to be his is fake and should not be trusted.
The army’s announcement highlighted the risks that these bogus accounts pose to unsuspecting members of the public. Fraudsters behind the pages have been contacting social media users, often soliciting money or assistance by pretending to act on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff or the Nigerian Army. These requests for financial help are part of wider scams designed to trick citizens into sending cash or revealing personal information.
Colonel Anele urged people to stay vigilant and to avoid interacting with, responding to or sharing content from fraudulent accounts. She said that engaging with these pages could expose individuals to scams, identity theft and other criminal activities. The army called on social media users to report suspicious profiles to the platforms themselves so they can be taken down quickly.
The warning also noted that efforts are already underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for creating and operating these fake accounts. The army said it will pursue legal action against perpetrators in line with existing laws. This reflects broader concerns about online impersonation and fraud, which have affected many institutions and public figures across Nigeria and beyond.
Instances of fake accounts and online scams are not new in Nigeria. Government agencies, educational bodies and security services have repeatedly cautioned citizens about fraudulent portals and impostor profiles claiming official status. These scams often promise jobs, contracts or other benefits in an attempt to defraud members of the public. In many cases, victims are left out of pocket or exposed to further exploitation.
For the Nigerian Army, the issue goes beyond mere inconvenience. False information circulating under the name of the Chief of Army Staff or the army can damage public trust, spread misinformation and compromise operational credibility. The army stressed that accurate information about its activities and leadership will only be shared through verified official channels and reputable media outlets.
As social media becomes an increasingly dominant source of news and communication, the army’s message is a reminder of the need for digital literacy and caution online. Members of the public are encouraged to verify the authenticity of accounts before engaging with content, particularly when it involves senior government or military officials.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security while also protecting citizens from online fraud and deception. It reaffirmed its duty to defend lives and property in accordance with the Constitution, and called on Nigerians to support efforts to combat the spread of fake information and impersonation online.
