Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Military Pension Board (MPB) has issued an urgent fraud alert to all military retirees and next of kin, warning them against disclosing sensitive personal and financial information to individuals or platforms posing as agents of the board. The alert, contained in a statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed, was released on Friday, June 5, 2026, following reports that fraudsters are actively targeting pensioners to unlawfully obtain confidential data.
According to the statement, the board has received credible reports that certain individuals are demanding personal details from military pensioners under various pretexts. The fraudsters are said to be requesting sensitive information such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN), bank account details, ATM card information, and other confidential data. The board warned that these requests are not authorised and are part of a scheme to defraud unsuspecting retirees and their families.
Squadron Leader Mohammed emphasised that the Military Pension Board does not engage third parties to collect pensioners’ personal or banking information for any purpose whatsoever. “The Military Pensions Board does not engage third parties to collect pensioners’ personal or banking information for the purpose of processing loans, pension payments, gratuities, or any other benefits,” the statement read. He strongly advised pensioners not to disclose such information to any individual, group, or platform that is not officially authorised by the board. Any request for such information from unofficial sources should be treated with caution and reported to the appropriate authorities.
The fraud alert comes amid a rising tide of cybercrime and identity theft targeting vulnerable populations in Nigeria, particularly retirees who may be less familiar with digital security protocols. Military pensioners, who often receive lump sum payments and monthly pensions, have become attractive targets for criminal networks specialising in financial fraud. The board’s warning is designed to preempt what appears to be an organised attempt to harvest personal data for fraudulent loan applications, unauthorised fund transfers, or outright theft of pension benefits.
The board further clarified that all official communications regarding pension payments, gratuities, or loan processing are conducted through verified channels. Pensioners were urged to verify any unsolicited contact by reaching out directly to the Military Pension Board’s official help lines or visiting its zonal offices. The statement did not specify whether any arrests had been made in connection with the fraudulent activities, but assured retirees that security agencies had been notified.
Reacting to the development, the Military Pensioners’ Welfare Association called on the board to go a step further by publishing a list of officially approved vendors and partners, if any, to help pensioners distinguish legitimate from fraudulent requests. The association also recommended that the board organise periodic digital literacy workshops for retirees, many of whom are elderly and may not be active on social media where such fraud alerts are often circulated. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts have advised pensioners to adopt simple protective measures: never share BVN or NIN over the phone, ignore messages promising loan approvals without verification, and report suspicious calls to the nearest police station or the board directly.
The Military Pension Board also reminded pensioners that it never requests ATM card numbers, PINs, or online banking passwords. Any such request, regardless of how official it may appear, is a red flag. The board encouraged beneficiaries to regularly check its official website and verified social media handles for updates rather than relying on unverified sources. Additionally, the board announced that it had activated a dedicated complaint line – 0809 123 4567 (fictitious for report) – for pensioners to report any fraudulent approach.
This alert is the latest in a series of fraud prevention measures by the Military Pension Board. In 2025, the board introduced biometric verification for pensioners to eliminate ghost pensioners and reduce vulnerabilities to identity theft. However, fraudsters have adapted, moving from physical impersonation to digital phishing. The board’s latest warning underscores the persistent need for vigilance.
As of Friday evening, no known military pensioner had reported financial losses directly linked to the current wave of scams, but the board’s proactive stance suggests that intelligence pointed to an imminent threat. Retirees and next of kin are advised to remain cautious, keep their personal data private, and always confirm the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information. The Military Pension Board reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of military veterans and their families, and assured that any individual caught impersonating the board or defrauding pensioners would face the full weight of the law.
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