Nigerian Army Unmasks Impostor Claiming Retired Major General Rank
The Nigerian Army has uncovered and apprehended a man, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, who falsely presented himself as a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, misleading the public and exploiting the prestige of the military institution.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and never held any rank, including that of Major General. Further checks confirmed that he did not attend the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, nor was he ever conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), all of which he had fraudulently claimed.
Authorities stated that Abdul Rauf used these fabricated credentials to intimidate and influence unsuspecting civilians, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer to gain sympathy, respect, and undue advantage.
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Media reports had also perpetuated his false identity. A report by Premium Times referred to him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a lawsuit against the Lagos State Government, in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages. Another report by Independent Newspaper on 9 November 2020 also identified him as a retired Major General while detailing his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit—a case the court had described as a gross abuse of process and legally incompetent.
The Nigerian Army emphasized that no officer by the name of Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf has ever served in the military, let alone retired at the rank of Major General. In a statement, the Army condemned the act as a serious offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour of officers who have genuinely served the nation.
The Army further urged members of the public to verify military claims through official channels and warned against impersonation, stressing that offenders would face legal consequences.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, signed the statement on 12 February 2026.
By PRNigeria
