Army Exposes Fake ‘Major General,’ Warns Public Against Impersonation

T The Nigerian Army has arrested a man, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General and falsely claiming distinguished military credentials to mislead the public.

In a statement issued on February 12, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, disclosed that investigations revealed the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and never attained the rank of General in any capacity.

According to the Army, Abdul Rauf also falsely claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and to be a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Anele stated that the suspect allegedly used the fabricated identity to intimidate unsuspecting members of the public, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer in order to command influence and respect.

“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,” she said.

She further clarified that, “the individual was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army at any time, nor did he attain the rank of General or retire from the Service in any capacity.”

During interrogation, the Army said it recovered media publications in which the suspect was described as a retired Major General, thereby reinforcing the deception in the public space. One report by Premium Times reportedly identified him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit seeking ?8 billion in damages against the Lagos State Government and others. Another publication by Independent Newspaper dated November 9, 2020, similarly referred to him as a retired Major General while reporting his appeal after the court dismissed the case as a gross abuse of court process.

The Army categorically refuted the claims, stressing that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf or ever held the rank of Major General under that identity.

Condemning the act, Anele described impersonation as a serious offence that erodes public trust and damages the honour of genuine officers who have served the nation with distinction.

“We strongly condemn this act of impersonation, which constitutes a grave offence, undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour and integrity of officers who have genuinely served the nation,” she added.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and integrity, warning that anyone found impersonating military personnel or unlawfully wearing military uniforms and insignia would face the full weight of the law. Members of the public were also advised to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report suspicious activities to security agencies.