By Johnson Eyiangho
The Nigerian Army has said that it has noted with serious concern the activities of some fraudsters using the name of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to defraud innocent citizens.
The army spokesman, Brig. -Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Thursday that the fraudsters were employing various means and techniques through the use of the internet and social media to perpetrate the criminal acts.
“These include name-dropping, claiming that they were sent to solicit for assistance or patronage, using the name and photographs of the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai to create various social media accounts with the intent of currying favours and financial assistance, amongst other tricks.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to make it emphatically clear that at no time has Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai solicited for funds and assistance through individuals, groups and any of the social media platforms.
“In view of this, members of the general public are therefore enjoined to be wary of such persons or groups and social media accounts in the name of the Chief of Army Staff.
“Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend such persons.
“All are please requested to be vigilant and to report such suspected persons to the nearest Police Station, Nigerian Army formations or units and other security agencies,” Usman said.
