The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a viral video allegedly showing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, making statements suggesting political support, describing the footage as fake and artificially manipulated.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the military authorities said the video did not originate from the Chief of Defence Staff and urged members of the public to disregard the statements attributed to him.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to state unequivocally that the video is fake and did not emanate from the Chief of Defence Staff,” the statement said.
According to the DHQ, the footage was created using artificial intelligence-generated manipulation and appeared designed to mislead the public and falsely portray the position of General Oluyede.
The Defence Headquarters also reiterated the Nigerian military’s commitment to remaining professional, apolitical and non-partisan in accordance with its constitutional responsibilities.
“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 added.
The DHQ condemned the production and circulation of the video, warning those behind its creation, as well as individuals knowingly sharing or amplifying it, to stop immediately.
The military further advised Nigerians to rely on information issued through its official communication channels and to disregard the circulating video and any claims attributed to the Chief of Defence Staff through the manipulated footage.
