Army Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters Using Senior Officers’ Identities Online

The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm over the activities of fraudsters operating fake social media accounts in the names of senior military officers to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement, the Army said the fake accounts, particularly on Facebook, were impersonating Major General Raymond Terungwa Utsaha, the Deputy Chief of Standards and Evaluation (Army), while also fraudulently using the photograph of Major General Bamidele Alabi, the current Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).

The Army described the accounts as “fake” and said they were created with “malicious intent to defraud individuals through false representations and unauthorized online engagements.”

It warned members of the public against responding to communications, friend requests, financial solicitations or unofficial engagements linked to the fraudulent accounts.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the said Facebook accounts are fake and were created with malicious intent to defraud individuals through false representations and unauthorized online engagements,” the statement said.

The Army further stressed that senior military officers do not conduct official business through personal social media accounts or unofficial online platforms.

“The Nigerian Army further reiterates that senior military officers do not conduct official transactions, award contracts, request financial assistance or engage in sensitive official matters through personal social media platforms or unofficial online channels,” it added.

The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to security agencies, assuring that efforts were ongoing to track and tackle those behind cyber impersonation and related fraud.

“Accordingly, the general public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious accounts or activities to the appropriate security agencies,” the statement noted.

It added that the Nigerian Army “will continue to monitor and take necessary measures against individuals or groups involved in cyber impersonation and related fraudulent activities.”