The Nigerian Army has raised concern over fake COAS social media accounts used for fraud, urging Nigerians to stay vigilant and avoid online deception.
The Nigerian Army has issued a strong public warning over the increasing appearance of fake Chief of Army Staff (COAS) social media accounts, describing the trend as a serious threat to public trust, national security communication, and the integrity of the military institution.
The warning was contained in an official statement released on Friday, January 9, 2026, and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, several fraudulent online profiles have been created by unknown individuals who falsely claim to represent or be directly connected to the COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Colonel Anele described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that the impersonators are deliberately exploiting the name and office of the COAS to mislead Nigerians.
She explained that these activities go beyond misinformation and have now entered the realm of criminal fraud, with unsuspecting citizens being targeted for financial exploitation.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to clearly state that the Chief of Army Staff does not operate any official social media account on any platform,” the statement emphasized.
This clarification, the Army said, is necessary to counter the growing misuse of the COAS identity across popular digital platforms.
Investigations by military authorities revealed that the fake COAS social media accounts are being used to solicit money, promise favours, and circulate unverified or false security-related information.
In some cases, scammers allegedly pose as intermediaries for recruitment opportunities, contract awards, or special military assistance, all of which are false and unauthorised.
The Army warned that such deceptive practices pose risks not only to individuals who fall victim to scams but also to national stability.
False statements attributed to senior military leadership could create panic, undermine confidence in state institutions, or distort official security narratives.
In response, the Nigerian Army has advised members of the public to exercise extreme caution online.
Nigerians were urged to avoid interacting with any account claiming to belong to the COAS, regardless of the platform or the perceived authenticity of the profile.
“Members of the public should not engage, respond to, or share content from such accounts,” Colonel Anele stated, adding that any suspicious online activity should be reported to appropriate security agencies for investigation.
The Army further disclosed that concrete steps are already being taken to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for creating and managing these fake profiles.
According to the statement, efforts are underway in collaboration with relevant law enforcement and digital monitoring agencies to track the perpetrators and bring them to justice under existing laws.
The rise of fake COAS social media accounts highlights a broader challenge faced by public institutions in the digital age, where impersonation and misinformation can spread rapidly.
The Army acknowledged that while social media has become a powerful tool for communication, it also presents vulnerabilities that criminal elements are eager to exploit.
Security analysts note that impersonation of high-ranking officials is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to gain credibility and manipulate victims.
In the case of military leadership, such actions carry even greater implications, as they can affect public perception of national security operations.
The Nigerian Army reassured citizens that it remains fully committed to transparency and the protection of the public.
Colonel Anele reiterated that all official information from the Army is disseminated strictly through verified institutional channels and authorised spokespersons, not through personal social media accounts.
She also reaffirmed the Army’s constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect the lives and property of citizens.
According to her, attempts to impersonate senior officers will not deter the military from carrying out its responsibilities with professionalism and discipline.
As digital fraud continues to evolve, the Army called on Nigerians to develop greater awareness and digital literacy.
Citizens were encouraged to verify information before acting on it and to remain skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially those requesting money or sensitive personal details.
The Army concluded by restating that the public’s cooperation is essential in combating cyber-related crimes.
By remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, Nigerians can help prevent the spread of fake COAS social media accounts and protect themselves from fraud.
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