The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially dismissed as fake a video circulating on social media that falsely portrays the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and in some instances attempts to misrepresent the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
Official Statement from the Military High Command
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the military high command described the video as false, misleading, and entirely unconnected to any official communication, statement, or engagement involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria. According to the Defence Headquarters, the content was deliberately fabricated to misinform members of the public and create confusion regarding the activities and leadership of the nation's military institutions. The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard the video in its entirety, stressing that it did not originate from any official military source.
Indications of Digital Manipulation
Preliminary assessments, according to the statement, indicate that the footage bears clear signs of digital manipulation and was likely generated using Artificial Intelligence technologies. The military expressed concern over the increasing misuse of digital platforms and emerging technologies to create deceptive content involving senior military officers, warning that such actions have the potential to erode public trust and undermine national security efforts.
Warning to Social Media Influencers and Media Organisations
The Defence Headquarters also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators, and online commentators against sharing or amplifying unverified military-related content, emphasizing that the pursuit of online engagement should not come at the expense of truth, professionalism, and national security. It further advised media organisations and members of the public to verify information through official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination.
Commitment to National Security
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country's sovereignty, peace, and security, while urging citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Further details are expected as authorities continue to monitor the spread and source of the manipulated content.
