Odita Sunday 
DHQ Raises Alarm Over AI-Manipulated Video Falsely Depicting CDS, Army Chief
By Odita Sunday
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has raised the alarm over the circulation of a fake, digitally manipulated video on social media, warning Nigerians against falling victim to misinformation aimed at misrepresenting the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by SAMAILA UBA, Major General and Director, Defence Information, the Defence Headquarters debunked a viral video falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, while in some instances also attempting to present the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede.
The military high command described the video as entirely false, misleading and unconnected to any official communication, statement, engagement or position of either the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Army Staff.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the content was deliberately created to misinform members of the public and generate confusion regarding the activities and leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard the video completely, stressing that it did not emanate from any recognised military communication channel.
It further disclosed that preliminary assessments revealed clear indications of digital manipulation powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that the content should not be relied upon for any purpose.
Expressing concern over the increasing misuse of technology to create deceptive content involving senior military officers, the Defence Headquarters noted that such actions go beyond ordinary misinformation and pose a threat to public trust and national security.
The military authorities warned that the fabrication and dissemination of false military-related content have the potential to undermine confidence in security institutions and disrupt ongoing national security efforts.
The Defence Headquarters also called on social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators to exercise restraint and professionalism by avoiding the sharing, reposting, endorsement or amplification of unverified military information.
It cautioned that the pursuit of online visibility, engagement and traffic should never override the principles of truth, responsible journalism and national security.
The statement further advised media organisations and members of the public to verify military-related information through official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria stated that it remains focused on its constitutional mandate and will continue working tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, peace and security.
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