The Nigerian Army has arrested Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, a man who falsely claimed to be a retired Major General, misleading the public and exploiting the prestige of the military institution to gain influence and respect.
According to a statement released yesterday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, investigations confirmed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned in the Nigerian Army, never held the rank of General, and never retired from the Service.
The impostor also fraudulently claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and to have received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), all of which were proven false.
The Nigerian Army revealed that Abdul Rauf used these fabricated credentials to intimidate civilians, including during court proceedings where he sought to command undue respect.
Reports retrieved from nationally recognised media outlets showed him repeatedly referred to as a “retired Major General,” including in a ₦8 billion lawsuit against the Lagos State Government.
The court had previously described the case as a gross abuse of process.
Colonel Anele emphasised that no Nigerian Army officer by the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf has ever held the rank of Major General or above.
The Army condemned his actions as a serious offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour of officers who have genuinely served the nation.
The statement further warned the public to verify military credentials through proper channels and report suspicious claims to security agencies.
It also reiterated that impersonation of military personnel is a criminal act that will be met with the full force of the law.
The Nigerian Army concluded by reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in safeguarding the honour of its ranks and institutions.