The Nigerian Army has arrested Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired major general.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said preliminary investigations revealed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and did not attain the rank of general or retire from the service.
Anele added that the suspect also falsely claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, and to have been awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.
“All these claims have been conclusively confirmed to be entirely false and fabricated,” Anele said.
The army stated that Abdul Rauf allegedly used the fabricated credentials to intimidate civilians and command undue respect, including in court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer.
According to Anele, media reports published in two national newspapers repeatedly referred to him as a retired major general. “One report falsely identified him as ‘Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)’ in a suit against the Lagos State Government seeking ₦8 billion in damages. Another report, dated 9 November 2020, referred to him as a retired major general while detailing his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit, which the court had earlier described as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law,” she said.
The army emphasized that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever held the rank of major general or higher.
“We strongly condemn this act of impersonation, which constitutes a grave offence, undermines public trust, and tarnishes the honour of officers who have genuinely served the nation with distinction,” Anele said.
She added that the Nigerian Army would continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure impostors and fraudsters are brought to justice.
“Members of the public are urged to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report any suspicious representations to security agencies. Law-abiding citizens are warned on the dangers of impersonation or unauthorized use of military uniforms and badges. We shall not hesitate to subject offenders to the full wrath of the law,” Anele added.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in defending the country.