In a decisive move against cyber fraud, the Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to the public about the alarming rise in online impersonation of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede. The military disclosed that fraudsters have been using the official portrait of the COAS as profile pictures on various social media platforms to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
A statement released on Saturday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, detailed how these impostors have advanced their tactics, now orchestrating fraudulent online meetings via Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms.
“This is not the first time impostors have attempted to pose as the COAS, but the latest trend is more alarming,” Nwachukwu stated. “These fraudsters organize online meetings where they display certain phone numbers on the screen, lure participants into private conversations, and then swindle them.”
The Nigerian Army has urged the public to remain cautious and verify any engagement with individuals claiming to be the COAS before divulging personal or financial details. Citizens are also encouraged to report suspicious accounts and activities to security agencies to curb further fraudulent schemes.
To help Nigerians identify and avoid these fraudsters, the Army has published a list of mobile numbers frequently used by the scammers:
đź“ž 09033949238, 09075323836, 09074272745, 08169257155, 08064561495, 08054138812, 09161521558, 09026515718, 09020898622, 08131333263, 09077188584, 08084529752, 08147409236, 09136497898, 09024627712, 07010119398, 09138997224, 09061549129, 08163593764, 07035272009, 09018150412, 08093524443, and
08088120581.
Army’s Official Channels for Reporting Fraudulent Activities
The military emphasized that it has designated official communication channels known to all personnel and that members of the public should avoid engaging in any online meeting where the COAS’s image is used as a display picture.
“Members of the public are advised to report any suspicious phone numbers used for these fraudulent activities via the Nigerian Army’s toll-free call center number 193 for swift action,” Nwachukwu stated.
The statement further advised Nigerians—both military personnel and civilians—to exercise extreme caution in online engagements, especially regarding virtual meetings and calls claiming to be from senior military officials.
“There are established protocols and procedures for communication within the Nigerian Army hierarchy. Everyone must remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to these scammers,” Nwachukwu added.
With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics, the Nigerian Army is doubling down on efforts to safeguard citizens from digital fraud. The military’s latest crackdown underscores its commitment to protecting the integrity of its leadership and ensuring that Nigerians do not fall victim to unscrupulous elements exploiting the digital space.
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