The Nigerian Army uncovered and apprehended Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf. He falsely paraded himself as a retired Major General. This action misled the public and abused military prestige. The arrest followed investigations that exposed his fabrications.
Details of Impersonation
Abdul Rauf claimed he attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru. He also asserted he received the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic honor.
Additionally he exploited these false credentials to intimidate civilians. For instance, he presented himself as a retired senior officer during court proceedings to gain undue influence.
Media reports highlighted his deception. One Premium Times article identified him as Major General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd) in a suit against the Lagos State Government. He sought N8 billion in damages.
Another Independent Newspaper report from November 9, 2020, referred to him as a retired Major General while covering his appeal against the suit’s dismissal. The court described the case as incompetent and an abuse of process.
Official Statement
Col. Appolonia Anele issued a statement as acting Director of Army Public Relations. She confirmed investigations showed Abdul Rauf never commissioned into the Nigerian Army. He never attained the rank of General nor retired from service. Anele stated, “All these claims have been conclusively confirmed to be entirely false and fabricated.”
Furthermore, Anele noted no retired Nigerian Army officer bore the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf. No such individual ever held the rank of Major General or above.
Implications and Response
The Army condemned impersonation as a grave offense. It undermined public trust and tarnished genuine officers’ honor. Anele reiterated the military’s commitment to protect its ranks and institutions. She added the Army would collaborate with authorities to bring impostors to justice.
Moreover Anele urged the public to verify military status claims through proper channels. She encouraged reporting suspicious cases to security agencies.
IMPERSONATION: NO RETIRED ARMY GENERAL BEARS ALHAJI TIJJANI ABDUL RAUF
The Nigerian Army has uncovered and apprehended a notorious impostor, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, who falsely paraded himself as a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, thereby misleading the public… pic.twitter.com/FZqshzHMPE— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) February 12, 2026
