DHQ Warns Against Fake AI Video Linking CDS To Politics

DHQ warns against fake AI video linking CDS to politics

The Defence Headquarters DHQ has raised the alarm over a fabricated artificial intelligence-generated video falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, as making partisan political statements. The military described the video as deliberate misinformation designed to deceive the public, misrepresent the position of the nation’s top military officer and create the impression that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is taking a political position. In a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the video did not originate from General Oluyede and that the statements attributed to him were false. According to the DHQ, artificial intelligence manipulation was used to create the video and make it appear authentic. The military said the material was intended to mislead Nigerians, distort the views of the Chief of Defence Staff and damage the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The DHQ urged members of the public to completely disregard the video and any statements attributed to General Oluyede in the fabricated material. It stressed that the statements contained in the video do not represent the views of the Chief of Defence Staff or the official position of the Armed Forces. The Defence Headquarters also reaffirmed the political neutrality of the Nigerian military, describing the Armed Forces as a professional, apolitical and non-partisan institution committed to the Constitution and the defence of the nation. The military warned those responsible for creating the fake video, as well as anyone knowingly amplifying or circulating it, to desist from doing so. The DHQ further advised Nigerians to verify sensitive information concerning senior military officers through its official communication channels before believing or sharing such content. The warning comes amid growing concerns over the use of AI technology to create realistic but fabricated videos and audio recordings of public officials and other prominent personalities. The Defence Headquarters said a fake video suggesting that military leadership had taken a partisan political position could create confusion, fuel controversy and undermine public confidence in the institution. It therefore urged Nigerians to exercise caution when encountering politically sensitive videos or statements purportedly issued by senior military officials. The DHQ maintained that the video is fake and that the Armed Forces remains committed to its professional and non-partisan role.