The Nigerian Army has issued a public warning following a noticeable increase in fake social media accounts falsely claiming links to the country’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

In a statement released on Thursday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations the Army said the fraudulent accounts are being operated by “unscrupulous individuals” seeking to mislead the public by posing as, or claiming association with, the Chief of Army Staff.

The Army stressed that Lieutenant General Shaibu does not maintain any official social media presence on any platform.

Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and to avoid engaging with such accounts, which may be used to solicit money, obtain personal information, or spread false information in the name of the Nigerian Army or its leadership.

“The public is advised not to respond to, engage with, or share content from these fake accounts,” the statement said.

The Army confirmed that steps are already being taken to identify and apprehend those behind the impersonation, adding that perpetrators will be prosecuted in line with existing laws.

Reassuring citizens, the Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to national security and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, as mandated by the country’s constitution.