The Nigerian Army has alerted members of the public to the proliferation of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be operated by, or associated with, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
In a statement issued on Friday, by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army clarified that the COAS does not maintain any official social media account on any platform, stressing that any online profile making such claims is fraudulent.
The Army cautioned the public to remain vigilant against individuals using these fake accounts to defraud unsuspecting persons, solicit funds, or disseminate false information in the name of the Chief of Army Staff or the Nigerian Army. Members of the public were advised not to engage with, respond to, or share content from such accounts.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Army has commenced necessary actions to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with extant laws.
The Army further reassured Nigerians of its continued commitment to safeguarding the lives of citizens and defending the country’s territorial integrity, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.