The Nigerian Army has successfully apprehended a notable impostor, identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, who was reportedly presenting himself to the public as a retired Major General.
The suspect allegedly made fraudulent claims of having attended the esteemed National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on February 12, 2026. Colonel Anele asserted that there is no retired officer in the Nigerian Army named Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has anyone by that name ever held the rank of Major General or a higher position within the service.
According to the Army's statement, the apprehended individual purportedly used his false credentials to intimidate unsuspecting civilians.
"The Nigerian Army has uncovered and apprehended a notorious impostor, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, who falsely paraded himself as a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, thereby misleading the public and abusing the prestige of the military institution," the statement detailed.
"Initial inquiries indicate that this person was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army at any point, nor did he ever achieve the rank of General or retire from the Service in any capacity.
"Further findings revealed that he falsely claimed to have attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
"He also falsely stated that he had received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). All these assertions have been conclusively proven to be entirely untrue and fabricated.
"The impostor was found to have consistently leveraged these false credentials to intimidate unsuspecting civilians. This included during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer to unfairly gain respect, sympathy, and influence.
"During his interrogation, media reports published in two nationally recognized newspapers were found, in which the impostor was repeatedly identified as a 'retired Major General.'
"These misrepresentations, now confirmed as false, further illustrate the extent to which the individual sustained his deception in the public sphere.
"One such report, published by Premium Times, falsely identified him as 'Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)' in a lawsuit filed against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, where he was seeking N8 billion in damages.
"Another report by the Independent Newspaper, dated November 9, 2020, also referred to him as a 'retired major general' while discussing his appeal against the dismissal of the same lawsuit, which the court had previously deemed a gross abuse of court process and legally incompetent.
"The Nigerian Army wishes to unequivocally state that no retired officer of the Nigerian Army bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer of such identity ever held the rank of Major General or above within the Service.
"We strongly condemn this act of impersonation, which constitutes a grave offense, erodes public trust, and tarnishes the honour and integrity of officers who have genuinely served the nation with distinction.
"The Nigerian Army reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the sanctity of its ranks, honours, and institutions. We will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that impostors and fraudsters are brought to justice.
"Members of the public are therefore urged to verify any claims of military status through appropriate channels and to report any suspicious representations to security agencies.
"Law-abiding citizens are warned about the dangers associated with impersonation or the unauthorized use of military uniforms and badges.
"We will not hesitate to subject any individual engaged in such acts to the full extent of the law.
"The Nigerian Army remains resolute in upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
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