DHQ disavows AI-generated video incorrectly linked to Army chief CDS
The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as fake a viral video circulating on social media that falsely depicts the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and in some cases misrepresents him as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. OO Oluyede.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defense Intelligence, Major General Samaira Uba, the military high command said the video was fabricated, misleading and deliberately designed to misinform the public about the activities and leadership of the Nigerian military.
According to the Defense Headquarters, this video does not represent any official communication, statement, commitment or position of the Chief of Defense Staff, General Oluyede, or the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Widi Shaibu.
“Defense Command categorically states that this video is false and misleading and does not represent any official communication, position, statement, or engagement involving either the Chief of Defense Staff or the Chief of Army Staff,” the statement said.
“This content is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and cause confusion regarding the operations and leadership of the Nigerian military.”
DHQ urged the public to ignore the video completely, stressing that it did not come from any official military source.
The military noted that a preliminary assessment revealed clear signs of digital manipulation, indicating that the content was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools and should not be trusted under any circumstances.
The Defense Command also expressed concern about the growing misuse of digital technology and social media platforms to create and distribute fabricated content involving senior military officials.
It warned that such actions amounted to deliberate misinformation that could undermine public confidence in security institutions and jeopardize national security efforts.
The military also warned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators, and online commentators against sharing, reposting, or amplifying unverified military-related content for online engagement purposes.
According to DHQ, the pursuit of visibility and social media traffic must never come at the expense of truth, responsible journalism, and national security.
The report recommended that the press and the public verify all military-related information through official Department of Defense communications channels before publication or dissemination.
The National Defense Headquarters has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Armed Forces remains focused on its constitutional duty to protect the sovereignty of the country and maintain peace and security throughout the country.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and work tirelessly to safeguard the sovereignty, peace and security of the nation,” the statement added.
PR Nigeria
