The Nigerian Army has uncovered and apprehended a suspected impostor, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, who allegedly paraded himself as a retired Major General, falsely claiming affiliation with the Nigerian Army and other prestigious national institutions.
In a statement issued by 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 and did not attain the rank of General or retire from the Service in any capacity.
The Army further disclosed that the individual fraudulently claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and falsely presented himself as a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). According to the statement, these claims have been conclusively verified to be entirely false and fabricated.
Authorities also discovered that the suspect consistently used the alleged false credentials to intimidate unsuspecting civilians, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer to command undue respect and influence.
During interrogation, investigators reportedly recovered media publications from two nationally recognised newspapers in which the suspect was repeatedly referred to as a “retired Major General.” One such report by Premium Times identified him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit he instituted against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, seeking ₦8 billion in damages.
Another report published by The Independent Newspaper on 9 November 2020 also described him as a retired Major General while detailing his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit. The court had earlier described the case as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law.
The Nigerian Army categorically stated that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever held the rank of Major General or above within the Service.
The Army condemned the act of impersonation, describing it as a grave offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour of officers who have genuinely served the nation.
It 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 impostors and fraudsters are brought to justice.
Members of the public have been urged to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and to report suspicious representations to security agencies. The Army also warned against the unauthorised use of military uniforms and badges, stressing that offenders will face the full weight of the law.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its dedication to professionalism, integrity and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
