Army warns against fake Facebook accounts created with COAS’ name

Monjola Sotubo 16:16 - 21 July 2015

The new Chief of Army staff, Tukur Buratai

The Army warned Nigerians to refuse any friend requests from the fraudulent accounts to avoid falling victim to scams.

The Nigerian Army has warned citizens against some fake Facebook accounts created using the name and photos of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Tukur Buratai.

This was disclosed via a statement released by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman.

It reads:

“It has come to our knowledge that some unscrupulous and criminal elements have started using the name of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Major General T Y Buratai through Facebook platform requesting for friendship, extort and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”

“So far, three such accounts exist with various types of names using photographs of the CoAS in uniform and that of Director, Defence Information as profile photographs.”

“While the matter has been reported to Facebook and relevant security agencies for tracking, arrest and prosecution of the criminals, the public is please requested to note and be advised not to accept any friendship request or overture from any of such Social media accounts.”

Buratai was appointed on July 13, 2015, by President Muhammadu Buhari.