The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said investigations revealed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army, did not attain the rank of General, and never retired from service
The Nigerian Army has arrested Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General, misleading the public, and exploiting the prestige of the military.
In a statement on Friday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said investigations revealed that Abdul Rauf was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army, did not attain the rank of General, and never retired from service.
Further checks showed he falsely claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and to be a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). “All these claims are entirely false and fabricated,” Anele said.
The Army spokesperson added that Abdul Rauf used the fake credentials to intimidate the public, including during court proceedings, to gain undue respect, sympathy, and influence.
Media reports in two national newspapers also described him as a “retired Major General,” which investigations confirmed were false.
One report referred to him as “Major General Abdul Rauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a lawsuit against the Lagos State Government seeking ₦8 billion in damages, while another covered his appeal against the suit’s dismissal.
The court had earlier described the suit as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law.
“The Nigerian Army categorically states that no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has anyone with such identity held the rank of Major General or above,” Anele said, condemning the impersonation as a serious offence that undermines public trust and the honour of genuine officers.
She assured that the Army will continue to work with authorities to bring impostors to justice while upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in defending Nigeria.
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