The Nigerian Army has uncovered and apprehended a suspected impostor, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, for allegedly parading himself as a retired Major General and falsely claiming credentials intended to command public respect and influence.
In a statement issued on February 12, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and never attained the rank of General or retired from the service in any capacity.
The Army also dismissed claims by the suspect that he attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), described them as entirely false. His assertion that he was a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) was similarly debunked.
According to the statement, the suspect allegedly used the fabricated credentials to intimidate unsuspecting members of the public, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer to gain undue respect and sympathy.
The Army disclosed that media publications from two national newspapers were recovered during interrogation, in which the suspect was repeatedly described as a “retired Major General.” One such report by Premium Times referred to him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit he filed against the Lagos State Government and others, seeking ₦8 billion in damages.
Another report by The Independent Newspaper dated November 9, 2020, also described him as a retired Major General while reporting on his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit. The court had reportedly earlier struck out the case, describing it as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law.
The Nigerian Army categorically stated that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf and that no individual with such identity has ever held the rank of Major General or above within the Service.
The Army condemned the act as a grave offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour and integrity of officers who have genuinely served the nation.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting the sanctity of its ranks, honours and institutions, added that it would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that impostors and fraudsters are brought to justice.
Members of the public were urged to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report suspicious representations to security agencies. The Army also warned against impersonation or the unauthorised use of military uniforms and badges, stressing that offenders would face the full wrath of the law.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
