The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims stemming from a fake video circulating on social media that features an altered image of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede. The video falsely suggests that he plans to forcibly recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above into the military.
The military described the video as malicious and defamatory, created to mislead the public and damage the reputation of the Defence Chief, according to a statement from Brigadier General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information. He emphasized that the military is a voluntary profession, with many citizens willingly joining during recruitment exercises for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Uba clarified that the assertions made in the video were never spoken by the CDS or any other member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He highlighted concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence that facilitates the creation and dissemination of misleading content. Uba called on citizens to verify the sources of information before sharing and to rely on official statements provided through verified Defence Headquarters channels.
The Directorate of Army Public Relations also addressed similar fake claims attributed to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, categorizing them as false on social media platforms.
- Why it matters: Misinformation can undermine trust in the military and create unnecessary public alarm. Businesses and citizens should remain vigilant against disinformation, especially as AI technology advances.
- The latest: The DHQ continues to urge the public to rely only on verified statements from authorized military channels for accurate information regarding military affairs.
Source: https://www.arise.tv/military-viral-video-on-compulsory-recruitment-is-fake-malicious/
Source: https://www.arise.tv/military-viral-video-on-compulsory-recruitment-is-fake-malicious/