The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has alerted members of the public to activities of fraudsters using multiple social media platforms to impersonate its Commandant, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, to perpetrate fraud.

In a statement on Thursday by the Academy Public Relations Officer, Reuben Kovangiya, the NDA said the fake accounts were being operated across Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where scammers allegedly offer fake contracts to members of the public.

Mr Kovangiya’s statement read, “The attention of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has been drawn to the activities of fraudsters using several social media platforms particularly Facebook, Linkedin, TikTok, Instagram and (Twitter) to impersonate the Commandant, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye by fraudulently offering contracts to unsuspecting members of the public.

“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.”

Mr Kovangiya advised members of the public to avoid any engagement with the fraudulent accounts. 

He added, “Any interaction with such entities is done at the individual’s risk, as the NDA will not be held liable for any resulting loss.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Defence Academy communicates officially with the public only through its verified channels, including its website: nda.edu.ng, official social media handles Facebook: Nigerian Defence Academy,X: @NDefenceacademy, TikTok @ndefenceacademy Instagram: @nigeriandefenceacademy and through reputable national newspapers.”

The spokesman said the commandant does not conduct engagements or communicate via personal social media accounts or unofficial online platforms, warning the public to remain vigilant.