The authorities in Niger have issued a warning about a fraudulent social media campaign claiming to offer donations in the name of General Tiani, an apparent scheme aimed at harvesting personal and banking information under the guise of a charitable initiative.
On Monday, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) of Niger condemned the scam through an official statement.
According to the document, signed by the Minister Director of the Cabinet of the CNSP President, messages circulating online falsely announce a digital charitable donation in the name of General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger’s head of state.
“In reality, this is an attempt at fraud designed to collect personal and/or banking data, part of a sneaky disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of the head of state,” the statement points out.
The authorities emphasise that all official actions and initiatives by the head of state are conducted within a formal institutional framework through the relevant state services.
The Nigerien government has already issued “firm instructions” to identify the perpetrators of this fraud, who will face prosecution under applicable laws, it added.
The incident comes amid a regional surge in online scams exploiting the identities of public figures.
AC/lb/as/APA