The Nigerian Army has arrested an individual, identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, over allegations that he impersonated a retired Major General and falsely presented himself as a former senior officer of the Service.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Army said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and did not attain the rank of General or retire from the Service in any capacity.
The statement added that the suspect allegedly claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and to have been conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). These claims, the Army said, were examined and found to be unsubstantiated.
According to the Service, the suspect relied on the purported credentials in public representations, including during court proceedings where he was described as a retired senior military officer.
The Army disclosed that during interrogation, media publications from two nationally recognised newspapers were recovered, in which the individual was referred to as a “retired Major General.” It noted that such descriptions contributed to public perceptions about his claimed status.
One online report described him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit he instituted against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, seeking N8 billion in damages. Another newspaper report dated November 9, 2020, similarly referred to him as a retired Major General while reporting on his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit, which a court had earlier characterised as incompetent and an abuse of court process.
The Nigerian Army stated that, based on its official records, no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with that identity held the rank of Major General or above.
Describing impersonation of military personnel as a serious offence, the Army said such acts undermine public trust and the integrity of officers who have legitimately served the nation.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its ranks, honours and institutions, adding that it will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that allegations of impersonation are thoroughly investigated in accordance with the law.
It also advised members of the public to verify claims of military status through official channels and warned against the unauthorised use of military uniforms, insignia and titles, noting that such actions are punishable under the law.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
