ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Nigerian Army has issued a warning to members of the public over the growing activities of fraudulent social media accounts impersonating senior military officers on various online platforms, particularly Facebook.
The Army said the fake accounts are being used by individuals and criminal groups to deceive unsuspecting members of the public through false representations and fraudulent activities.
Military authorities explained that the impersonators create fake profiles using photographs, names, and identities of senior officers to establish credibility before attempting to exploit victims financially or obtain sensitive personal information.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns over online scams involving identity theft and the misuse of official personalities for fraudulent purposes.
Army Distances Generals From Online Requests
The Nigerian Army stressed that senior military officers do not use personal social media accounts to solicit money, offer employment opportunities, promise recruitment slots, request gifts, or conduct unofficial transactions with members of the public.
Officials advised Nigerians to exercise caution when interacting with social media accounts claiming to belong to top military figures.
The Army further emphasized that recruitment exercises, promotions, and official announcements are carried out only through approved institutional channels and not through private social media interactions.
Public Urged To Remain Vigilant
Security authorities urged citizens to verify information before responding to messages or requests originating from accounts claiming to represent senior military personnel.
The public was also encouraged to avoid sharing personal details, bank information, or making financial transfers based on online promises from unverified sources.
According to military authorities, many victims of online fraud are often targeted through emotional appeals, fake investment opportunities, recruitment claims, and promises of financial assistance.
Growing Concern Over Cyber Fraud
Experts say the use of fake identities and impersonation schemes has become increasingly common across digital platforms, with criminals exploiting public trust in respected institutions and senior public figures.
The Army stated that efforts are ongoing to identify and track those responsible for the fraudulent accounts while collaborating with relevant agencies and social media platforms.
Looking Ahead
Authorities have encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious accounts and online activities to security agencies for investigation.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from cyber-related fraud and urged citizens to rely only on verified official communication channels for military-related information.
