Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has warned the public against fraudulent social media accounts impersonating its Commandant, Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, and offering fake contracts to unsuspecting individuals.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Reuben Kovangiya, the institution disclosed that fraudsters are actively using platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to deceive members of the public.
“The attention of the Nigerian Defence Academy has been drawn to the activities of fraudsters using several social media platforms to impersonate the Commandant by fraudulently offering contracts to unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.
The Academy described the accounts as deliberate schemes designed to defraud individuals of their resources, stressing that any engagement with such platforms is at the victim’s risk.
It added that the NDA would not be held liable for any losses arising from dealings with the fraudulent accounts.
“The Academy wishes to unambiguously state that the said accounts are schemes created with the intent to deceive and defraud individuals of their hard-earned resources. Members of the public are hereby strongly advised to disregard and avoid any engagement with the fraudulent accounts,” the statement added.
To prevent further incidents, the NDA clarified that it communicates officially only through its verified channels, including its website and recognised social media handles, as well as through reputable national newspapers.
It emphasised that the Commandant does not conduct official business through personal social media accounts or unofficial online platforms.
The Academy urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding citizens from fraudulent schemes.
