Nigerian Army Warns Public Against Fraudsters Impersonating COAS on Social Media
Nigerian Army Warns Public Against Fraudsters Impersonating COAS on Social Media
Nigerian Army Warns Public Against Fraudsters Impersonating COAS on Social Media
The Nigerian Army has raised alarm over the increasing activities of fraudsters impersonating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on various social media platforms.
The imposters have been using the official portrait of the COAS as their profile pictures to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the military condemned the persistent fraudulent activities, warning the public against engaging with such accounts.
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“This is not the first time imposters have attempted to impersonate the COAS on social media.
However, a new tactic has emerged where fraudsters organize virtual meetings via Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms.
During these meetings, they request participants to share specific numbers displayed on their screens, which are then used to contact and defraud them,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Army has compiled a list of mobile numbers frequently used by the scammers, urging the public to avoid any engagement with them. Some of these numbers include:
09033949238, 09075323836, 09074272745, 08169257155, 08064561495 08054138812. 09161521558. 09026515718. 09020898622. 08131333263. 09077188584.08084529752. 08147409236. 09136497898. 09024627712.. 07010119398. 09138997224. 09061549129. 08163593764. 07035272009. 09018150412. 08093524443.. 08088120581.For the full list, refer to the Army’s official statement.
The Army emphasized that it has established official communication channels, and neither the COAS nor other senior officers conduct online meetings with civilians for personal or financial purposes.
To prevent falling victim to these fraudsters, the public is advised to:
Avoid engaging in virtual meetings using the COAS’s portrait as a display picture.
Refrain from sharing personal details with unknown individuals online.
Report suspicious numbers or fraudulent activities to the Nigerian Army via the toll-free helpline 193 for immediate investigation.
The Army reassured citizens of its commitment to curbing cyber fraud and called on all Nigerians to be cautious and report any suspicious activities related to military impersonation.
Nigerian Army Warns Public Against Fraudsters Impersonating COAS on Social Media
