By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s military has raised a red flag over a surge in online impostors exploiting the identity of the nation’s top army officer, warning citizens to steer clear of fraudulent social media accounts claiming links to the Chief of Army Staff.
In a security alert statement issued on Friday by Colonel APPOLONIA ANELE, the Acting Director Army Public Relations informed that unscrupulous individuals have created multiple fake social media profiles falsely presenting themselves as, or acting on behalf of, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
The Army was unequivocal: the COAS has no official presence on any social media platform.
According to military authorities, the fake accounts are being used as tools for deception targeting unsuspecting Nigerians with attempts to solicit money, extract personal information, or spread misinformation under the guise of official military communication.
Security sources say the trend mirrors a broader rise in cyber-enabled fraud, where the credibility of state institutions and senior officials is hijacked to lend weight to criminal schemes.
The Army warned members of the public not to engage with, respond to, or share content from any account claiming to represent the Chief of Army Staff, regardless of how authentic the profile appears.
Beyond public caution, the military signalled a hard line against the perpetrators.
Officials confirmed that steps are already underway to identify, track, and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with the intention of prosecuting them under existing laws.
The warning underscores the Army’s growing focus on the digital domain as an extension of national security where misinformation and impersonation can erode trust and expose citizens to harm.
While sounding the alarm, the Nigerian Army moved to reassure the public of its broader mandate.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity, stressing that online impersonation will not distract from its constitutional responsibilities.
Headquarters is stark and timely: in an age of instant communication and digital deception, vigilance is now part of civic duty.
For Nigerians navigating social media, the instruction is simple, if it claims to be the Chief of Army Staff online, it isn’t.
