The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm over a fraudulent publication making rounds on social media and other online platforms, falsely claiming that the application process for its 90 Regular Recruitment Intake has commenced.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Army described the publication as “fake, misleading and capable of deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.”
Captain AU Hammanga, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Directorate of Recruitment, who signed the statement, cautioned Nigerians against falling prey to fraudsters exploiting the desperation of young job seekers.
“The publication is false, misleading and should be disregarded in its entirety. For emphasis, the Nigerian Army maintains a clear and official procedure for announcing recruitment exercises and related activities. Authentic information regarding recruitment will only be published through the Nigerian Army’s verified official platforms,” Hammanga clarified.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army will, at the appropriate time, officially declare when the portal for the 90 Regular Recruitment Intake is open.
Beyond the official caution, the warning carries a human angle that speaks directly to thousands of Nigerian youths eager to join the Army as a means of livelihood and service to the nation. In recent years, the rising unemployment rate has made fake recruitment scams a lucrative avenue for fraudsters who exploit hope and desperation.
A young graduate, Chidi Nwankwo, who once fell victim to a similar scheme, shared his bitter experience:
“I sold my phone just to raise money because the fake recruiters said we would buy forms and uniforms. At the end, I discovered it was a scam. I lost not just my money but also my confidence. It took me months to recover,” he recounted.
Such stories highlight the painful reality of fake recruitment drives, which have ruined dreams and deepened mistrust. For the Army, ensuring transparency in recruitment is not only about institutional integrity but also about protecting citizens from fraud.
“We remain committed to transparency and professionalism in all recruitment processes and strongly caution the public against falling prey to fraudsters,” Hammanga emphasised.
The Nigerian Army urged members of the public to verify recruitment information only through its official website, social media handles, and mainstream news outlets, rather than rely on random social media messages.
Analysts believe the recurring wave of fake recruitment notices is a wake-up call for stronger digital security awareness in Nigeria. Until then, the Nigerian Army’s warning serves as a reminder to stay vigilant.
Nigerian Army Warns Citizens Against Fake Recruitment Scam, Urges Vigilance
