The Nigerian Army has apprehended a man, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, who falsely claimed to be a retired Major General, misleading the public and exploiting the prestige of the military institution.
Investigations revealed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and never attained the rank of General.
Authorities also found that he falsely claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, and to have been awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
The impostor reportedly used these false credentials to intimidate civilians, including during court proceedings, in an attempt to gain undue respect, sympathy and influence.
Media reports recovered during the investigation showed that he had been repeatedly referred to as a “retired Major General.”
Notably, Premium Times described him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a lawsuit against the Lagos State Government, in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages.
The Independent Newspaper also referred to him as a “retired major general” in a report on his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit. The courts had previously described his claims as a gross abuse of process.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army said: “No retired officer of the Nigerian Army bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever held the rank of Major General or above. This act of impersonation is a grave offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour of genuine officers.”
The Army emphasised its commitment to protecting the integrity of its ranks and institutions and urged the public to verify claims of military status through official channels. It warned that individuals caught impersonating military personnel or misusing uniforms and badges would face prosecution.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said the Nigerian Army “remains steadfast in upholding professionalism, integrity and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
