The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as fake a viral video circulating on social media that falsely portrays the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, and in some instances attempts to misrepresent the person featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the video as fabricated, misleading and unrelated to any official communication, statement or engagement involving either of the senior military officers.
According to the DHQ, preliminary assessment of the footage revealed clear signs of digital manipulation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning members of the public against relying on or sharing the content.
The military noted that the video did not originated from any official Armed Forces source and was deliberately designed to misinform the public and create confusion about the activities and leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Expressing concern over the growing misuse of digital technologies and social media platforms to create false content involving senior military officers, the Defence Headquarters said such actions could erode public confidence and potentially undermine national security efforts.
The DHQ also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators against sharing, reposting, endorsing or amplifying unverified military-related information, stressing that the pursuit of online engagement should not come at the expense of truth, responsible journalism and national security.
It urged media practitioners and members of the public to verify military-related information through official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said it remains focused on its constitutional responsibilities and will continue working to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, peace and security.
