The Nigerian Army has alerted the general public to a growing number 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 signed by Acting Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army clarified that the Chief of Army Staff does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform. It described the proliferation of such accounts as a deliberate attempt by unscrupulous individuals to mislead the public.
The Army cautioned citizens to remain vigilant, noting that the fake accounts are often used to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds, or disseminate misinformation in the name of the COAS or the Nigerian Army. Members of the public were strongly 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 existing laws.
The Army also reassured Nigerians of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property and to defending the territorial integrity of the country, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
