The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a viral video purportedly showing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, making statements suggesting support for a partisan political position.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the DHQ described the video as fake and clarified that it did not originate from the Chief of Defence Staff.
“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.
The military authorities also dismissed the statements attributed to General Oluyede in the video and urged members of the public to disregard the claims.
According to the DHQ, the video was created using artificial intelligence-generated manipulation and was allegedly designed to mislead the public, misrepresent the position of the CDS and damage the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to remaining professional, apolitical and non-partisan, in line 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,” it stated.
The DHQ condemned the production and circulation of the video and warned those behind its creation, as well as individuals who knowingly share or amplify the material, to desist immediately.
The military urged members of the public to rely on information released through its official communication channels and disregard the circulating video and the statements attributed to the CDS.
