DHQ Debunks AI-Generated Video Portraying CDS as Backing Political Party

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as fake a video generated with artificial intelligence and circulated online, purportedly showing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, making statements suggesting support for a political party.

The DHQ said the video was fabricated and did not originate from the Chief of Defence Staff.

In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the statements attributed to Oluyede in the video were false and should be completely disregarded.

According to him, the material was created through artificial intelligence manipulation in an apparent attempt to deceive members of the public, misrepresent the position of the CDS and damage the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains a professional, apolitical and non-partisan institution, committed to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the defence of the nation,” the statement said.

The Defence Headquarters condemned the production and circulation of the video, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

It also warned those responsible for creating the material, as well as individuals who knowingly circulate or amplify it, to stop doing so immediately.

The DHQ urged members of the public not to rely on the video or similar unverified materials, advising them to obtain information concerning the Armed Forces from its official communication platforms.

The Defence Headquarters identified its verified platforms as its Facebook page, Defence Headquarters Nigeria; X handle, @DHQNigeria; Instagram account, DefenceHQ; WhatsApp channel, Defence Headquarters Nigeria; and YouTube channel, DefenceTV-Nigeria.

The clarification comes amid increased circulation of digitally manipulated content online, with the military stressing that its leadership remains committed to maintaining the professional and non-partisan character of the Armed Forces.