Nigerian Army Arrests Impostor Falsely Claiming to Be Retired Major General

The Nigerian Army has uncovered and apprehended an individual identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General, in what authorities describe as a deliberate and sustained act of deception. According to an official statement issued on 12 February 2026 by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and at no time held any rank within the Service.

The Nigeria Army stated that the suspect falsely presented himself to the public as a retired senior military officer, thereby abusing the prestige and integrity of the institution. The development has prompted renewed calls from the military for the public to verify claims of military status through appropriate and official channels.

Nigerian Army on False Claims and Fabricated Credentials

Preliminary investigations by the Nigerian Army revealed that Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf was neither enlisted nor commissioned into the Army at any point in his life. Authorities further clarified that he did not attain the rank of Major General or any other rank and never retired from the Service in any capacity.

In addition to falsely claiming military credentials, the suspect reportedly asserted that he attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. He also claimed to be a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). The Army confirmed that all these claims were entirely fabricated.

Military authorities stated that the suspect allegedly used these false credentials to intimidate civilians and gain undue influence. During court proceedings, he reportedly presented himself as a retired senior officer in an apparent attempt to command respect, sympathy, and advantage.

Media References and Legal Proceedings

During interrogation, investigators recovered media reports from two nationally recognised newspapers in which the suspect was repeatedly described as a “retired Major General.” These reports, now established to be inaccurate, were said to have contributed to the credibility of his impersonation within the public domain.

One such report by Premium Times identified him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a lawsuit he filed against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, seeking ₦8 billion in damages. Another report published by Independent Newspaper on 9 November 2020 similarly referred to him as a retired major general while detailing his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit.

The court had earlier described the lawsuit as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law. The Nigeria Army noted that these media misrepresentations further illustrate the extent to which the suspect was able to sustain the deception over time.

Army’s Position and Public Advisory

The Nigerian Army categorically stated that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf and that no individual with that identity has ever held the rank of Major General or above within the Service. The institution condemned the impersonation as a grave offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour of officers who have genuinely served the nation.

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

Members of the public were urged to verify claims of military status through official channels and to report suspicious representations to security agencies. Law-abiding citizens were also warned against impersonation or the unauthorised use of military uniforms and insignia, with the Army stating that offenders would face the full weight of the law.