The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially debunked a fake recruitment advertisement currently circulating on social media and various online platforms, warning members of the public to be wary of fraudulent schemes and impostors.
In a statement released by NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the force clarified that no recruitment exercise is ongoing at the moment and that any advertisement claiming otherwise is false and intended to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.
>The attention of the Nigerian Air Force has been drawn to a fraudulent recruitment advertisement being circulated by unscrupulous individuals with the intent to defraud innocent Nigerians. We wish to categorically state that the Nigerian Air Force is not currently conducting any recruitment exercise,” the statement read.
According to the NAF, the fake advertisement was crafted to mimic an official government announcement, complete with doctored logos and forged signatures, luring applicants with promises of automatic employment upon payment of various fees.
The NAF emphasized that recruitment into any arm of the Nigerian military, including the Air Force, is free of charge and is done transparently through official channels only. The force further stated that whenever recruitment is scheduled to take place, announcements will be made through credible media outlets, the official NAF website, and verified social media handles.
In recent weeks, reports had surfaced of young Nigerians being approached by self-proclaimed “agents” who claimed to have connections within the military and could facilitate enlistment for a fee. Several victims have since come forward, sharing stories of how they were scammed out of thousands of naira.
One such victim, 22-year-old Kabiru Musa from Kaduna, recounted his ordeal:
>I saw the advert in a WhatsApp group and contacted the number provided. They told me to pay ₦25,000 for a ‘form’ and medicals. After I paid, they blocked me.”
The NAF has urged anyone who receives such fraudulent messages or comes across suspicious recruitment ads to report them to the nearest security agency or contact the NAF directly. The public is also encouraged to verify all official information through the Nigerian Air Force’s verified platforms.
As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of its recruitment processes, the NAF reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection.
>We strongly advise all Nigerians to stay informed, remain vigilant, and avoid falling prey to scammers who are exploiting the hopes and aspirations of our youth,” the statement concluded.
