Jun 10, 2026

DHQ Exposes AI Deepfake Video Targeting the CDS

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria – June 10, 2026—In a swift and firm response to the rising tide of digital disinformation, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has categorically debunked a fabricated video circulating on social media platforms that falsely depicts Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede.

The official press release, issued on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, describes the video as “false, misleading,” and the product of deliberate digital manipulation using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

It warns that the clip does not represent any official communication, position, statement, or engagement by either the CDS or, in some misrepresentations, the Chief of Army Staff.

The viral video, which appears to show a military officer in camouflage speaking at what looks like an official setting with Nigerian flags in the background, has been amplified across platforms with captions and hashtags suggesting it contains authentic statements from the CDS.

Assessments by the DHQ revealed clear signs of AI generation, a growing concern in an era where advanced tools can create hyper-realistic but entirely fictitious content.

General Olufemi Oluyede, who assumed the role of Chief of Defence Staff on October 30, 2025, after serving as Chief of Army Staff, is a highly decorated officer with a distinguished career spanning infantry operations and strategic leadership.

The DHQ emphasized that such fabrications risk undermining public confidence in the Armed Forces and could compromise national security efforts amid ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations.

Broader Implications and Warnings

This incident highlights the escalating challenges posed by AI-driven misinformation in Nigeria and globally.

The DHQ expressed deep concern over individuals exploiting digital technologies for personal gain, visibility, or malicious intent.

It specifically urged social media influencers, bloggers, content creators, and online commentators to exercise responsibility and desist from sharing unverified military-related content.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard the video in its entirety, as it did not originate from any official military source,” the statement reads. Verification should always be sought through official DHQ communication channels.

Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been swift, with many users calling for the identification and prosecution of those responsible, viewing the act as an attack on the military’s credibility and national stability.

Some commentators linked it to broader frustrations with security narratives, while others stressed the need for stronger deterrence against such acts.

DHQ’s Commitment Amid Challenges

Despite the distraction, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their focus on constitutional responsibilities: protecting the sovereignty, peace, and security of the nation. This debunking comes against a backdrop of active military operations across various theaters, including recent engagements in the Northeast and Northwest.

The release serves as both a clarification and a broader call to action for media practitioners and citizens to prioritize verified information, especially on sensitive national security matters. As AI tools become more accessible, experts anticipate an increase in such incidents, underscoring the urgent need for digital literacy, robust verification mechanisms, and potential legal frameworks to address deepfakes targeting public officials.

The DHQ has not disclosed further details on any ongoing investigations into the video’s origins but has signaled a zero-tolerance stance toward actions that could erode trust in Nigeria’s military leadership.