Military Pensions Board Cautions Public on Fake WhatsApp Group

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has distanced itself from a fake WhatsApp group operating under its name and has cautioned pensioners as well as the general public against engaging with it.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Mohammed, clarified that the group, titled Military Pensions Board, was created by unidentified individuals and does not reflect the official stance of the Board.

He noted that fraudsters have increasingly resorted to using social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp to impersonate government agencies and exploit unsuspecting people. Military pensioners and veterans, he added, are often targeted with misinformation, false promises, or financial scams disguised as official communication.

Mohammed stressed that the MPB has not created or endorsed any WhatsApp group for pensioners or veterans. He described such platforms as fraudulent and warned pensioners to avoid them.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the MPB communicates with pensioners and stakeholders solely through its verified social media handles, press releases, official statements, and recognized communication channels,” he stated.

The spokesperson reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of pensioners and urged them to always seek clarification through official contacts whenever in doubt.

The Military Pensions Board is the Nigerian government agency mandated to manage and disburse pensions and gratuities to retired military personnel. Beyond payments, it also serves as a key channel for addressing pension-related concerns.

Over the years, the MPB has modernized its operations through digital payment systems and improved communication channels. However, the growing misuse of social media by fraudsters impersonating government institutions continues to pose a risk, particularly to vulnerable groups such as retirees.