The Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to the public regarding the growing activities of fraudsters impersonating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on social media platforms.
In an official statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, cautioned individuals to be vigilant against these impostors who are actively deceiving unsuspecting Nigerians online.
How the Fraud Works
According to the statement, these cybercriminals use the official portrait of the COAS as their profile picture on social media accounts and engage victims in virtual meetings through platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Facebook. During these interactions, they manipulate participants into sharing specific numbers displayed on their screens, which are subsequently used to defraud them.
Phone Numbers Used by the Fraudsters
The Nigerian Army has identified several phone numbers frequently utilized by these scammers, including:
- 09033949238
- 09075323836
- 09074272745
- 08169257155
- 08064561495
- 08054138812
- 09161521558
- 09026515718
- 09020898622
- 08131333263
- 09077188584
- 08084529752
- 08147409236
- 09136497898
- 09024627712
- 07010119398
- 09138997224
- 09061549129
- 08163593764
- 07035272009
- 09018150412
- 08093524443
- 08088120581
Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe
The Nigerian Army has urged the public to take the following precautions:
- Avoid engaging with fraudulent online meetings: Do not attend virtual meetings or interact with individuals using the COAS’s official portrait as a profile picture.
- Report suspicious activities: If you encounter such fraudulent activities or receive messages from any of the listed phone numbers, report them immediately by calling the Nigerian Army’s toll-free call center at 193.
- Follow official communication channels: Always adhere to recognized protocols when communicating with the Nigerian Army.
Stay Alert Against Cyber Scammers
The Army reiterated the importance of vigilance and cybersecurity awareness to prevent falling victim to these scams. The public is advised to verify any claims before engaging in conversations, especially when they involve requests for sensitive information.