Military dismisses fake AI video of CDS, Army chief

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed a video circulating on social media which falsely portrays the Chief of Defence Staff and, in some instances, the Chief of Army Staff.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the video as fabricated, misleading and digitally manipulated.

According to the DHQ, the video falsely depicts the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, while some versions attempt to misrepresent the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
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The statement said. ‘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.

The military said the video did not represent any official communication, statement, engagement or position of either military chief

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 DHQ urged members of the public to disregard the video, stressing that it did not originate from any official military source.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard the video in its entirety, as it did not originate from any official military source.

It added that preliminary assessment indicated clear signs of artificial intelligence-driven digital manipulation.

“Assessment of the video indicate that the content bears clear signs of digital manipulation premised on Artificial Intelligence and should not be relied upon in any way.

The military expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of individuals using digital technologies and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officers.

“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 military also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators against sharing or amplifying unverified military-related content.

“The Defence Headquarters further urge 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.

The Defence Headquarters urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information through its official communication channels before publication or dissemination

“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 remains focused on its constitutional responsibilities and will continue to work tirelessly to protect the sovereignty, peace and security of the nation, the statement added.