The Defence Headquarters has flagged and dismissed a viral video circulating online, calling it “fake, misleading, and AI-manipulated.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the DHQ said the clip falsely claims to feature the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede In some versions, the person in the video is even presented as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu
The military high command said the video has no connection with either officer and does not represent any official position, statement, or engagement of the Armed Forces.
“This content is deliberately fabricated to mislead the public and create confusion about the activities and leadership of the Armed Forces,” the statement read.
The DHQ noted that preliminary checks show clear signs of AI manipulation. It urged Nigerians to disregard the clip entirely, stressing that it did not originate from any military source.
The military also raised concern over the growing trend of using deepfake technology and social media to create false content involving senior officers. It warned that such acts amount to misinformation and can erode public trust and threaten national security.
Content creators, bloggers, and influencers were cautioned against sharing, reposting, or amplifying unverified military-related material for clicks and engagement.
“Online visibility should not come at the expense of truth and national security,” the DHQ said.
It advised journalists and the public to verify any military-related information through official Defence Headquarters channels before publishing or sharing.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, peace, and security, and said they remain focused on their constitutional duties despite attempts to distract with fake content.
