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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a viral video falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, adding that the footage was digitally manipulated and generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the video circulating on social media is fake and misleading and does not represent any official communication from the Nigerian military.
According to the DHQ, the video falsely portrays the Chief of Defence Staff and, in some cases, attempts to misidentify the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff.
“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 statement said.
The military said its assessment showed clear signs of digital manipulation and warned Nigerians against relying on the content.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard the video in its entirety, as it did not originate from any official military source,” the DHQ stated.
PRESS RELEASE
DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS DEBUNKS FAKE VIDEO PURPORTING TO SHOW THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
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… pic.twitter.com/iNbTKQgOhC
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DHQNigeria) June 9, 2026
The Defence Headquarters also expressed concern over what it described as the growing misuse of digital technologies and social media platforms to create fake content involving senior military officers.
According to the military, such actions constitute misinformation and could undermine public trust and negatively affect national security efforts. The DHQ further urged bloggers, influencers, content creators and online commentators to avoid sharing or amplifying unverified military-related information.
“The quest for online visibility and engagement must not come at the expense of truth, national security and responsible journalism,” the statement stated.
The military advised journalists and members of the public to verify information through official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination.
It reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to their constitutional duty to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, peace, and security.
