Tijjani-Rauf.webp
The Digest:

The Nigerian Army has arrested Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired major general, falsely claiming military service, and fabricating credentials. According to a statement by acting director of army public relations, Appolonia Anele, the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army, did not attain any general rank, and never retired from the service. He also falsely claimed to have attended NIPSS Kuru and to hold the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). The army recovered media reports where the suspect was described as a retired major general, including a suit seeking ₦8 billion in damages from the Lagos State Government. The army confirmed no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf.

Key points:
  • The impersonation undermines public trust in genuine military service and national honour systems.
  • It exposes vulnerabilities in verification processes for individuals claiming military status in legal and public proceedings.
  • The suspect gained undue influence and respect, while the reputation of legitimate retired officers is protected.
  • This signals a deliberate pattern of military identity fraud for legal and social advantage.
  • The timing, with swift arrest and public exposure, demonstrates the army's commitment to protecting its institutional integrity.
The suspect faces prosecution, while the public is urged to verify military claims through appropriate channels and report suspicious representations.

Sources: TheCable, Nigerian Army Statement