By Micah Jonah
February 13, 2026
The Nigerian Army has apprehended a suspected impostor, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, for allegedly parading himself as a retired Major General, falsely claiming affiliation with the military.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and never attained the rank of General or retired from the Service in any capacity.
According to the statement, the suspect also falsely claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, and to be a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.
The Army said all the claims had been confirmed to be false and fabricated.
It further disclosed that the suspect allegedly used the false credentials to intimidate members of the public, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer to command undue influence.
During interrogation, the Army said media reports from two national newspapers were recovered in which the suspect was described as a retired Major General.
The statement cited a report by Premium Times which allegedly identified him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (retd)” in a suit filed against the Lagos State Government and others, seeking N8bn in damages.
Another report by Independent Newspaper dated November 9, 2020, was also said to have referred to him as a retired Major General while reporting his appeal against the dismissal of the suit.
The Nigerian Army stated categorically that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf and that no officer with such identity ever held the rank of Major General or above.
It condemned the alleged act of impersonation, describing it as a grave offence capable of undermining public trust and tarnishing the image of officers who genuinely served the country.
The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of its ranks and institutions, adding that it would collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that impostors are brought to justice.
Members of the public were urged to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report suspicious representations to security agencies.
The Army also warned against the unauthorized use of military uniforms and badges, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
