The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has raised concerns over the growing use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to create and disseminate false content involving senior military officers, describing the trend as a serious threat to public trust and national security.
The military high command made this known on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba.
According to the DHQ, the warning followed the circulation of a fabricated video on social media platforms falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede.
The military said the manipulated content was designed to mislead the public, noting that in some versions, the individual featured in the video was also falsely presented as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede.
The Defence Headquarters categorically dismissed the video as fake, misleading and unauthorised.
“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,” the statement said.
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The DHQ urged members of the public to disregard the video entirely, stressing that it did not originate from any official military source.
It noted that preliminary assessments revealed clear signs of digital manipulation driven by artificial intelligence technology.
“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 added.
The military high command also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators against 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,” the DHQ warned.
The military high command encouraged journalists and members of the public to verify military-related information through official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination.
It reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to its constitutional mandate and will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, peace and security.
