The Nigerian Army, the land warfare branch of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, has issued a strong public warning over the growing circulation of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s most senior serving army officer.
In an official statement released on Friday, January 9, 2026, the warning was communicated through the Nigerian Army’s verified account on X, formerly known as Twitter. The statement was signed by Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the military unit responsible for managing public communication and media relations for the Army.
According to the statement, the Army has recently observed a troubling rise in the activities of criminal elements who deliberately create and operate fake online profiles using the name, image, or office of the Chief of Army Staff. These individuals, the Army said, use such accounts primarily for fraudulent purposes.
Okay News reports that the Nigerian Army categorically clarified that Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu does not operate, manage, or maintain any official social media account on any digital platform. The Army emphasized that any account claiming to speak for or represent the Chief of Army Staff online is false and should be treated as such by the public.
The statement warned that these fake accounts are often deployed to deceive unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds under false pretenses, or spread misinformation while falsely claiming the authority of the Nigerian Army.
“Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant, as the fake accounts are often used to defraud unsuspecting individuals, solicit funds, or spread misinformation in the name of the Nigerian Army,” the statement read.
The Army further urged Nigerians not to engage with, respond to, or share content originating from such fraudulent accounts, noting that any interaction could expose individuals to scams, identity theft, or other criminal activities.
In addition, the Nigerian Army disclosed that it has already begun taking concrete steps to track, identify, and apprehend those responsible for creating and operating the fake profiles. The perpetrators, according to the statement, will be prosecuted in line with existing Nigerian laws once apprehended.
The statement concluded by reassuring citizens of the Army’s continued commitment to its constitutional responsibilities, including the protection of lives and property and the defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, as provided under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
