Man Nabbed For Allegedly Parading Himself As Ex-Army General
The Nigerian Army has arrested a man identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General and falsely claiming affiliation with the military.
In a statement, the Army said preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army, did not attain the rank of General, and never retired from the Service in any capacity. Authorities also dismissed his claims of attending the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, as well as his assertion that he was a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), describing them as fabricated.
According to the Army, the suspect allegedly used the false credentials to mislead members of the public and intimidate individuals, including during court proceedings where he reportedly presented himself as a retired senior military officer in a bid to gain influence and sympathy.
During interrogation, investigators reportedly recovered media publications in which the suspect was described as a “retired Major General.” The Army noted that such references contributed to sustaining the alleged deception in the public domain.
One report by Premium Times identified him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a lawsuit filed against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages. Another report by the Independent Newspaper dated November 9, 2020, also referred to him as a retired Major General while reporting on his appeal after the court dismissed the suit, describing it as incompetent and an abuse of court process.
The Nigerian Army categorically stated that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has anyone with that identity held the rank of Major General or above in the Service.
The Army condemned the alleged act of impersonation, describing it as a serious offence capable of undermining public trust and tarnishing the reputation of officers who have served the nation honourably.
It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its ranks and institutions, adding that it will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that individuals involved in impersonation and related offences are brought to justice.
Members of the public were advised 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, badges or titles, stating that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
