The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media that falsely depicts the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O.O. Oluyede, making a statement about plans to forcefully recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above into the military.
In a statement issued by Brigadier General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ described the video as “fake, malicious, and mischievously cloned,” noting that it was deliberately crafted to defame the CDS and cast the Nigerian Armed Forces in a negative light.
“The purported statement was never made by the Chief of Defence Staff, any of the Service Chiefs, or any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement clarified, stressing that the military remains a respected institution that attracts thousands of patriotic Nigerians who willingly enlist through regular recruitment processes.
The DHQ warned that the rise of artificial intelligence–driven disinformation and malinformation makes it imperative for the public to verify the source and authenticity of videos and statements before sharing them.
It urged citizens to rely solely on official Defence Headquarters spokespersons and verified social media platforms for credible information. “All are requested to kindly disregard the fake video and statement in circulation,” the release stated.
