The Nigerian Army has alerted members of the public to the growing proliferation of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be operated by or associated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, stated in a press release on Friday that the Chief of Army Staff does not maintain any official social media account on any platform, noting that the fraudulent profiles are created by unscrupulous individuals bent on deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.
She explained that the fake accounts are being used to solicit funds, spread misinformation and carry out other fraudulent activities in the name of the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army. Members of the public were therefore advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid engaging with such accounts and refrain from sharing any information originating from them.
Colonel Anele added that the Nigerian Army has commenced necessary actions to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.
Reassuring Nigerians, the Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
