February 13, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
The Nigerian Army has arrested a man, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, for allegedly posing for years as a retired Major General in an elaborate impersonation scheme that authorities say was used to intimidate citizens and gain influence.
According to the Army, investigations revealed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the military and never held any rank, contrary to his repeated public claims of being a senior retired officer.
In a statement released by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the suspect was described as a “notorious impostor” who built a false identity around fabricated military credentials.
Authorities said he also falsely claimed to have attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), a top leadership training institution reserved for high-level public officials and accomplished professionals. He further allegedly paraded himself as a recipient of the national honour, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Military investigators found that Abdul Rauf frequently used the fake status to intimidate members of the public and even attempted to influence court proceedings by presenting himself as a retired Major General to command respect and sympathy.
During interrogation, operatives reportedly recovered several media publications that had referred to him as a retired senior officer — reports which helped sustain his false public image over the years.
The Army clarified that no retired officer bearing his name has ever served in its ranks or attained the rank of General.
Describing the impersonation as a serious offence that undermines public trust and damages the reputation of genuine service members, the Army warned that anyone found falsely claiming military status would face strict legal consequences.
The military also urged Nigerians to verify claims of military identity through official channels and report suspicious individuals, stressing that unauthorized use of uniforms, titles, and insignia remains a criminal act.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of its ranks and ensuring accountability,” the statement concluded.
