The Nigerian Army has arrested a man identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General. In a statement released on February 12, 2026, the Army said the suspect falsely claimed to be a senior retired officer, misleading members of the public and exploiting the reputation of the military.

According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, investigations confirmed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Army and never attained the rank of General. The Army also clarified that no retired officer bears his name or matches the rank he claimed to hold.

Further findings showed that the suspect allegedly fabricated additional credentials, including claiming to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and to have received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). Authorities described all these claims as completely false.

The Army stated that the suspect used the fake titles to intimidate civilians and even presented himself as a retired General in court cases to gain influence. The military condemned the act, warning the public to verify such claims and report suspicious individuals. It reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and vowed to ensure that anyone involved in impersonation faces the full weight of the law.