By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating on social media that falsely portrays the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, while in some instances attempting to misrepresent the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
According to an official signed statement by Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the video did not originate from the Armed Forces of Nigeria and does not represent any official communication, statement, engagement, or position of either the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Army Staff.
The Defence Headquarters described the content as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and create confusion regarding the leadership and activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Defence Headquarters categorically states that the video is false, misleading and does not represent any official communication, position, statement or engagement involving either the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Army Staff,” the statement said.
It further noted that preliminary assessments of the footage revealed clear indications of digital manipulation driven by Artificial Intelligence technologies, warning members of the public against relying on or sharing the content.
The military high command expressed concern over what it described as the growing misuse of digital technologies and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officers, stressing that such actions constitute dangerous misinformation capable of eroding public trust and undermining national security efforts.
“The content bears clear signs of digital manipulation premised on Artificial Intelligence and should not be relied upon in any way,” the statement added.
The Defence Headquarters also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators against reposting, endorsing or amplifying unverified military-related information in pursuit of online engagement.
It emphasized that responsible journalism and national security considerations must take precedence over the quest for digital visibility and audience reach.
The military further urged journalists and members of the public to verify all defence-related information through official communication channels before publication or dissemination.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Defence Headquarters stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains focused on its constitutional mandate and will continue to work diligently to safeguard the sovereignty, peace and security of the nation.
