Fraudsters Using Generals’ Names, Photos to Scam Nigerians — Army

The Nigerian Army has warned Nigerians against fraudulent social media accounts impersonating senior military officers, particularly on Facebook, to scam unsuspecting members of the public.

In a statement issued through its official X handle on Sunday, the army disclosed that fraudsters had created fake accounts impersonating the Deputy Chief of Standards and Evaluation (Army), Raymond Utsaha, while using the photograph of the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Bamidele Alabi.

According to the military, the fake accounts were designed to deceive members of the public through false representations, financial solicitations and unauthorised online engagements.

“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 unauthorised online engagements,” the statement read.

The army advised Nigerians to ignore any suspicious messages, friend requests or requests for financial assistance originating from the fake accounts.

It also stressed that senior military officers do not conduct official transactions, award contracts or handle sensitive military matters through personal social media accounts or unofficial online platforms.

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

The army further assured that it would continue monitoring online activities and take necessary actions against individuals or groups involved in cyber impersonation and related fraudulent activities.

The warning comes amid increasing concerns over the rise of online scams and identity theft targeting Nigerians through fake social media accounts impersonating public officials, security officers and government agencies.

Authorities urged members of the public to verify information from official military communication channels and avoid engaging with suspicious online profiles claiming to represent senior army officers.