The Nigerian Army has cautioned the public against engaging with fake social media accounts falsely claiming to belong to or represent the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

In a statement released on Friday via the Nigerian Army’s official X handle, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said there has been a rise in fraudulent online activities by individuals impersonating the COAS for criminal purposes.

The Army clarified that the Chief of Army Staff does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform. It stressed that any account suggesting otherwise is fake and should be ignored.

According to the statement, these impersonation accounts are often used to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, solicit money, or spread misinformation under the guise of the Nigerian Army.

The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid interacting with such accounts, and refrain from sharing their content, warning that engagement could expose individuals to scams and other criminal activities.

It added that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with plans to prosecute them in line with existing laws.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to national security, the protection of lives and property, and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity in accordance with the Constitution.