Nigerian Army Cautions Public on Fake COAS Social Media Handles
The Nigerian Army has warned members of the public to be vigilant against a growing number of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army clarified that the COAS does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform.
According to the statement, the fake accounts are being run by unscrupulous individuals seeking to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians, solicit funds, spread misinformation, or perpetrate other fraudulent activities under the guise of the COAS or the Nigerian Army.
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“The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the Chief of Army Staff has no official social media presence whatsoever,” the statement said, urging the public not to engage, respond to, or share content from such accounts.
The Army assured that concrete steps are already being taken to identify, track, and apprehend those behind the fake accounts, with a view to prosecuting them in line with existing laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Nigerian Army assured Nigerians of its continued dedication to protecting lives and property, as well as safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Army also appealed for public cooperation, stressing that vigilance and responsible online behaviour remain critical in curbing cyber-related fraud and misinformation.
By PRNigeria
