The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent document circulating online, falsely claiming to detail the names of candidates selected for its 2025 Armed Forces Selection Board (AFSB) screening. In an official statement released Monday by Major Mohammed Maidawa, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, the institution cautioned individuals against relying on the unauthorized list or sharing it further.
“This document in circulation is entirely false and not from the NDA,” Maidawa emphasized. He specified that the Academy’s authentic list of successful applicants would be formally released through established national newspapers and its official website, nda.edu.ng, at a later date. The statement, distributed from Kaduna, the NDA’s headquarters, did not confirm how widely the fake list had spread or whether authorities were investigating its origins.
As Nigeria’s premier military university, the NDA oversees a rigorous selection process for cadet recruitment, with the AFSB stage serving as a critical evaluation phase. Lists of successful candidates attract significant public attention, given the institution’s role in training officers for the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The fraudulent document’s emergence raises concerns about potential scams targeting applicants or families seeking to verify their status prematurely.
Major Maidawa urged prospective cadets and the public to rely solely on the Academy’s verified communication channels for updates, underscoring that no official announcement had been made. “We advise all stakeholders to exercise patience and avoid spreading unverified information,” he added. The NDA’s website and social media platforms have yet to publish a timeline for releasing the genuine list.
The incident highlights recurring challenges Nigerian institutions face in combating misinformation, particularly during high-stakes recruitment processes. Military recruitments in the country historically draw thousands of applicants annually, with select positions intensifying competition and public interest. Analysts note that fraudulent schemes often exploit this demand, leveraging forged documents or phishing attempts to deceive candidates.
While the Academy’s swift disclaimer aims to mitigate confusion, it also underscores the need for applicants to adopt caution when encountering unofficial updates. Authorities have not confirmed whether additional cybersecurity measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents.
For now, the NDA reaffirms its commitment to transparency, with Major Maidawa reiterating that updates will align with longstanding protocols for military recruitment announcements. As the situation develops, applicants are advised to bookmark the institution’s official website and monitor recognized media outlets to avoid falling victim to disinformation.
