Army Warns Nigerians As Scammers Clone COAS Identity Online

The Nigerian Army has alerted the general public to a growing number of fake social media accounts being operated by individuals falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Army said it had observed a disturbing rise in the activities of scammers using the name and office of the COAS to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, solicit funds and spread misinformation.

The Army clarified that the Chief of Army Staff does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform, stressing that any page or account making such claims is fraudulent.

Members of the public were urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid engaging with such accounts, and refrain from responding to messages or sharing information originating from them.

The Army said it has commenced necessary actions to track down and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.

Reassuring Nigerians, the Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, as well as defending the territorial integrity of the country in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Appolonia Anele, a colonel and the acting director of army public relations.