The Nigerian Army has detained a man identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf over allegations that he posed as a retired major general.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the acting director of army public relations, Appolonia Anele, disclosed that initial findings revealed the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army, never rose to the rank of general, and did not retire from the force.
According to Anele, the suspect also claimed he attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and that he was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
“All these claims have been conclusively confirmed to be entirely false and fabricated,” she said.
The army stated that the suspect allegedly used the supposed credentials to intimidate members of the public and gain undue influence, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer.
Anele explained that during interrogation, investigators recovered media publications from two national newspapers in which the suspect was repeatedly described as a retired major general.
“One of such reports falsely identified him as ‘Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)’ in a suit instituted against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages,” she said.
“Another report dated 9 November 2020, also referred to him as a ‘retired major general’ while detailing his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit, which the court had earlier described as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law.”
The army maintained that no retired officer of the Nigerian Army bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, and that no individual with that identity has ever attained the rank of major general or higher.
“We strongly condemn this act of impersonation, which constitutes a grave offence, undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour and integrity of officers who have genuinely served the nation with distinction,” Anele said.
She added that the army will continue working with relevant authorities to ensure those involved in impersonation and fraud face justice.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report any suspicious representations to security agencies,” she said.
“Law abiding citizens are therefore warned on the dangers of impersonation or use of military uniforms and badges by unauthorized persons. We shall not hesitate to subject any individual engaged in such act to the full wrath of the law.”
Anele reaffirmed the army’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in safeguarding the nation.