The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media purporting to show the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine confidence in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on 9 June 2026, the DHQ said the video, which in some instances falsely identifies the individual as the Chief of Army Staff, does not represent any official communication, engagement, or position of the military leadership.
The military high command noted that its assessment revealed clear signs of digital manipulation, warning that the content appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence and should not be relied upon.
According to the statement, the circulation of such fabricated materials reflects a growing trend of exploiting digital technologies to create misleading content involving senior military officers, posing risks to public trust and national security.
The Defence Headquarters urged members of the public to disregard the video entirely, stressing that it did not originate from any official military source.
It also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, and content creators against sharing or amplifying unverified military-related information, noting that the pursuit of online engagement must not override responsible communication.
Media practitioners were advised to verify all military-related information through official Defence Headquarters channels before publication.
The DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, peace, and security.
