DHQ Raises Alarm Over AI-Generated Fake Video of Defence Chief
By Matthew Eloyi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a viral video circulating on social media, describing it as a digitally manipulated clip falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, and in some cases misrepresenting the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military high command said the video was fake, misleading and did not emanate from any official military source.
According to the DHQ, the content was deliberately created to misinform the public and create confusion about the activities and leadership 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.
The military authorities urged members of the public to disregard the video entirely, stressing that preliminary assessments indicated that it bore clear signs of digital manipulation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
It warned that the material should not be relied upon for any purpose, adding that the increasing use of emerging technologies to fabricate content involving senior military officers poses a serious threat to public trust and national security.
The Defence Headquarters expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of individuals exploiting digital platforms to spread misinformation about the nation’s military leadership.
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It noted that such actions not only constitute the dissemination of false information but also have the potential to undermine confidence in the Armed Forces and compromise ongoing national security efforts.
The DHQ also called on social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators to exercise restraint and responsibility by avoiding the sharing or amplification of unverified military-related information.
“The quest for online visibility and engagement must not come at the expense of truth, national security and responsible journalism,” the statement added.
The military further advised media organisations and the general public to verify all defence-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 remained focused on its constitutional responsibilities and would continue to work tirelessly to protect the sovereignty, peace and security of the country.
