Army Arrests Man Impersonating Retired Major General

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Army has arrested a man who has been posing as a retired Major General and allegedly using the false identity to deceive the public.

According to the statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the suspect, identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, had for years falsely presented himself as a retired senior officer, despite never having served in the Nigerian Army at any rank.

The Army said investigations showed that the man also falsely claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and to be a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic. All claims were found to be fabricated.

According to the statement, the suspect allegedly used the fake credentials to intimidate civilians, including during court proceedings where he introduced himself as a retired Major General to gain undue respect and influence.

The Army said newspaper reports recovered during interrogation had repeatedly referred to him as a retired senior officer. One of the reports, published by Premium Times, described him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages against the Lagos State Government. Another report by the Independent Newspaper in November 2020 also identified him as a retired Major General in coverage of his appeal after the original suit was dismissed.

The Army stressed that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf and that no suchperson has ever held the rank of Major General or higher. It condemned the impersonation as a serious offence that undermines public trust and disrespects those who genuinely served.

The statement added that the Army would continue working with security agencies to ensure impostors are prosecuted. It also urged the public to verify claims of military status through authorised channels and warned against the unlawful use of military uniforms or insignia.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability in the service of the country.