Nigerian Army disowns alleged retired General, warns public against impersonators

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerian Army has uncovered and apprehended an alleged impostor, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, who reportedly posed as a retired Major General, misleading members of the public and exploiting the prestige of the military institution for personal gain.

According to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army at any time, contrary to his claims of military service and retirement as a senior officer.

Authorities further established that he never attained the rank of General or served in any capacity within the Nigerian Army.

Investigations also showed that the suspect falsely claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and allegedly presented himself as a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). Military authorities have since confirmed that all these claims were fabricated.

The Army disclosed that the suspect allegedly used the false credentials to intimidate unsuspecting civilians and gain undue influence in several situations, including court proceedings where he reportedly presented himself as a retired senior military officer to command respect and sympathy.

During interrogation, investigators reportedly recovered media publications from two national newspapers in which the suspect was described as a retired Major General.

The Army said these reports, now confirmed to be inaccurate, demonstrated the extent to which the alleged impostor sustained his deception in the public space.

One of the reports, published by Premium Times, reportedly identified him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a lawsuit filed against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, where he sought ₦8 billion in damages.

Another report by the Independent Newspaper, dated November 9, 2020, also reportedly referred to him as a retired Major General while covering his appeal against the dismissal of the suit, which the court had earlier described as incompetent and an abuse of court process.

The Nigerian Army has now categorically stated that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever attained the rank of Major General or above within the Service.

Condemning the act, the Army described impersonation as a grave offence capable of undermining public trust and tarnishing the honour and integrity of officers who have genuinely served the country.

The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting the sanctity of its ranks, honours and institutions, adding that it will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that impostors and fraudsters are brought to justice.

The military also urged members of the public to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report suspicious representations to security agencies.

It warned against the use of military uniforms, badges or titles by unauthorised persons, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.