The Nigerian Army has alerted the general public to the 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 issued on Friday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Army had observed a disturbing increase in the activities of “unscrupulous individuals” operating such accounts to deceive the public.
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She clarified that the COAS does not maintain any official social media account on any platform.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the Chief of Army Staff does not have any official social media presence on any platform,” Anele said.
According to her, the fake accounts are being used to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, solicit funds, and spread misinformation in the name of the COAS and the Nigerian Army.
Colonel Anele urged Nigerians to exercise caution and remain vigilant, advising them not to engage with, respond to, or share information from such accounts.
“Members of the general public are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit these fake accounts to defraud unsuspecting individuals or spread misinformation,” she added.
She disclosed that the Nigerian Army had begun taking necessary steps to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.
“The Nigerian Army is taking all necessary steps to apprehend the operators of these fake accounts and bring them to justice in accordance with extant laws,” Anele said.
The Army spokesperson reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national security and the protection of citizens.
“The Nigerian Army reassures the public of its unflinching commitment to protecting the citizens of our dear country and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she stated.
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