by George Ozalla
The Nigerian Army has apprehended an individual, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General and falsely presenting himself as a senior military officer to mislead the public and exploit the credibility of the institution.
According to a press statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, investigations confirmed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army at any time and did not attain the rank of General or retire from the Service in any capacity. The Army said his claims of military service and senior rank were entirely false and fabricated.
The Army also dismissed his claims of attending the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, and being a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, stating that both assertions were fraudulent and unsupported by any official record.
Findings further revealed that the suspect consistently used the false identity to intimidate unsuspecting civilians and gain undue influence, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior officer to command sympathy and authority.
During interrogation, investigators recovered media publications in which the suspect was described as a retired Major General, reflecting the extent of the deception he sustained in the public domain. In one instance, he was identified as Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd) in a suit against the Lagos State Government and other respondents in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages. Another report also referred to him as a retired Major General while covering his appeal following the dismissal of the same case, which the court had described as incompetent and a gross abuse of court process.
The Army stated that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf and affirmed that no individual with such identity has ever held the rank of Major General or any equivalent senior rank within its structure. It described the act as a grave offence that undermines public trust and damages the reputation of officers who have served the nation with honour and distinction.
The Army warned that impersonation and unauthorized use of military ranks, uniforms or honours constitute criminal offences and assured that it will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure those involved are brought to justice. It also urged members of the public to verify claims of military status through appropriate channels and report suspicious representations to security agencies.
