By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Military Pensions Board (MPB), has warned military pensioners, retirees, and Next-of-Kin (NOKs) against disclosing sensitive personal information to fraudsters posing as agents of the board.

The warning is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the board, Sqn.-Ldr. Aliyu Mohammed, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the board had received reports of unscrupulous individuals contacting pensioners under false pretences, including offering to facilitate loans, process benefits, or provide other financial services.

He said that such individuals often demanded confidential details such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN), bank account details, ATM card information, and other personal data.

The board spokesman advised pensioners not to disclose such information to any individual, group, or platform not officially authorised by the board.

He urged pensioners to treat any request for sensitive information from unofficial sources as fraudulent and report such cases to the appropriate authorities.

“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 board further encourages pensioners and NOKs to conduct all pension-related transactions strictly through recognised MPB channels and designated contact lines,” he said.

Mohammed added that the MPB remained committed to safeguarding the welfare of military retirees, adding that it would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to curb fraudulent activities targeting pensioners.(NAN)