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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has described a video circulating on social media falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff as fabricated and digitally manipulated to mislead the public.
The DHQ said the video falsely depicts the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, whilst some versions attempt to misrepresent the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who made this known, said the video did not represent any official communication, statement, engagement or position of the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Army Staff.
Uba, in a statement, urged the public to disregard the video in its entirety, as it did not originate from any official military source.
He said an assessment of the video indicates that the content bears clear signs of digital manipulation premised on artificial intelligence and should not be relied upon in any way.
The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters has observed the circulation of a fabricated video on social media platforms falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede and in some instances attempting to misrepresent the person featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede.
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“The Defence Headquarters categorically states that the video is false, misleading and does not represent any official communication, position, statement or engagement involving either the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Army Staff. The content is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and create confusion regarding the activities and leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard the video in its entirety, as it did not originate from any official military source. An assessment of the video indicates that the content bears clear signs of digital manipulation premised on Artificial Intelligence and should not be relied upon in any way.
“The Defence Headquarters remains concerned about the growing trend of individuals exploiting digital technologies and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officers. Such actions not only constitute misinformation but also have the potential to undermine public confidence and ultimately compromise national security efforts.
“The Defence Headquarters further urges social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators to desist from sharing, reposting, endorsing or amplifying unverified military-related content. The quest for online visibility and engagement must not come at the expense of truth, national security and responsible journalism.
“Media practitioners and members of the public are encouraged to verify information through the official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain focused on its constitutional responsibilities and will continue to work tirelessly to protect the sovereignty, peace and security of the nation.”
