The General Defense Command has rejected a video circulating on social media that falsely depicted the Chief of Defense Staff and, in some cases, the Army Chief of Staff.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the Director of Defense Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Samaira Uba, the military said the video was fabricated, misleading and digitally manipulated.
DHQ says the video incorrectly depicts the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, while some versions attempt to misrepresent the person appearing as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
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The statement said: “The Defense Command has confirmed the circulation of fabricated videos on social media platforms falsely portraying the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, and in some cases misrepresenting the person appearing as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General OO Oluyede.”
The military said the video does not represent any official communications, statements, commitments, or positions of the commanders of either military.
“The Defense Headquarters declares that this video is false and misleading and does not represent any official communication, position, statement or engagement involving the Chief of Defense Staff or the Chief of Army Staff. This content is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and cause confusion regarding the operations and leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
DHQ urged the public to ignore the video, stressing that it did not come from any official military source.
“The public is advised to ignore the video in its entirety as it does not come from an official military source.
It added that a preliminary assessment showed clear signs of digital manipulation by artificial intelligence.
“According to our evaluation of the video, the content has clear signs of digital manipulation predicated on artificial intelligence and should not be relied upon in any way.
The military expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals using digital technology and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officials.
“The Headquarters remains concerned about the growing trend of individuals abusing digital technology and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officials. Such actions not only amount to misinformation, but can undermine public trust and ultimately undermine national security efforts.”
The military also warned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators against sharing or amplifying unverified military-related content.
“The Defense Headquarters further urges social media influencers, bloggers, content creators, and online commentators to refrain from sharing, reposting, endorsing, or amplifying unverified military-related content. The pursuit of online visibility and engagement should not come at the expense of truth, national security, and responsible journalism.”
The Defense Headquarters called on the press and the public to verify information through official communication channels before publication or distribution.
“Media personnel and members of the public are encouraged to verify information through the official communication channels of the Defense Headquarters before publishing or distributing it.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remains focused on its constitutional responsibilities and continues to work tirelessly to safeguard the sovereignty, peace and security of the country,” the statement added.
