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Public Warned Against Fake Social Media Accounts Linked to Army Chief

By Desk Round Reports


The Nigerian Army has cautioned the public against a surge in fake social media accounts falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Army said it had observed that unscrupulous individuals were creating and operating fraudulent accounts in the name of the Army Chief, often with the aim of defrauding members of the public or spreading misinformation.

The military authorities stressed that Lieutenant General Shaibu does not operate any official social media account on any platform, adding that any account purporting to speak on his behalf should be treated as fake.

Members of the public were advised to exercise vigilance and avoid engaging with such accounts, particularly where requests for money, personal information or sensitive engagement are involved. 

The Army urged Nigerians not to respond to, share or amplify content from accounts claiming links to the Chief of Army Staff.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Army has commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.

Reaffirming its constitutional responsibilities, the Army assured citizens of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, and dated 9 January 2026.

"PRESS RELEASE

"NIGERIAN ARMY ALERTS THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON FAKE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS PURPORTEDLY OPERATED BY THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF 

"The Nigerian Army has observed a disturbing rise in fake social media accounts created and operated by unscrupulous individuals, falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the Chief of Army Staff does not have any official social media presence on any platform.

"Members of the general public are therefore advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit these fake accounts to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds, or spread misinformation in the name of the COAS or the Nigerian Army. The public is urged not to engage, respond, or share information from such accounts.

"The Nigerian Army is taking all the necessary steps to apprehend the operators of these fake accounts with a view to bringing them to justice in accordance with the extant laws.

"The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure the public of its unflinching commitment to protecting the citizens of our dear country and its territorial integrity as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

"APPOLONIA ANELE

Colonel 

Acting Director Army Public Relations 

9 January 2026," the statement read.





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