The Nigerian Army has arrested Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf over allegations of impersonating a retired Major General and falsely presenting himself as a former senior officer.
In a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Army said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and did not attain the rank of General or retire from the Service in any capacity.
The statement also said the suspect allegedly claimed to have attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, and to have been conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic. These claims, the Army stated, were examined and found to be unsubstantiated.
According to the Service, the suspect relied on the purported credentials in public representations, including during court proceedings where he was described as a retired senior military officer.
During interrogation, the Army recovered media publications from two nationally recognised newspapers in which the individual was referred to as a “retired Major General.” One report described him as “Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit he instituted against the Lagos State Government seeking N8 billion in damages. Another newspaper report dated November 9, 2020, similarly referred to him as a retired Major General.
The Nigerian Army stated that based on its official records, no retired officer bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with that identity held the rank of Major General or above.
Describing impersonation of military personnel as a serious offence, the Army said such acts undermine public trust and the integrity of officers who have legitimately served the nation. It warned that the unauthorised use of military uniforms, insignia, and titles is punishable under the law and advised the public to verify claims of military status through official channels.
