The Nigerian Army has issued a warning to the public about fake social media profiles impersonating high-ranking military officials on platforms like Facebook.

In a statement released on Sunday via its official X account, the army explained that scammers have set up counterfeit profiles impersonating Major General Raymond Utsaha, the Deputy Chief of Standards and Evaluation (Army), and using a photo of Major General Bamidele Alabi, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).

The army emphasised that these accounts are designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting individuals through false claims and unauthorised online interactions.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the said Facebook accounts are fake and were created with malicious intent to defraud individuals through false representations and unauthorised online engagements,” the statement read.

The military authorities have cautioned the public to ignore any messages, friend requests, financial solicitations, or unofficial interactions coming from these accounts.

They also emphasized that high-ranking officers do not carry out official business, award contracts, seek financial aid, or manage sensitive government matters through personal social media or unofficial online channels.

“The general public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious accounts or activities to the appropriate security agencies,” the statement added.

The army also stated it will keep monitoring and take appropriate actions against individuals or groups engaged in cyber impersonation and related scams.