The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as fake a video circulating on social media that falsely portrays the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, while in some instances misrepresenting the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff.
The military authorities described the video as misleading and urged members of the public not to believe or share the content, emphasizing that it does not reflect reality and was created to spread false information.
The clarification forms part of ongoing efforts by the Defence Headquarters to combat misinformation and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s security institutions.
Military Rejects False Claims
According to the Defence Headquarters, the circulating video has no connection with the Chief of Defence Staff or the Nigerian Armed Forces and should be regarded as fabricated content intended to mislead the public.
The military stressed that false information circulating online can create unnecessary confusion, undermine public confidence, and distract security agencies from their constitutional responsibilities.
Officials therefore advised citizens to verify information through credible and official communication channels before sharing it on social media platforms.
Call for Responsible Use of Social Media
The Defence Headquarters encouraged Nigerians to exercise caution when consuming or distributing digital content, particularly materials relating to national security and senior government officials.
The military noted that the rapid spread of misinformation through social media can have negative consequences for public order and national security if left unchecked.
Citizens were urged to rely on verified statements and official announcements from authorized government and military channels when seeking information on security matters.
Commitment to Transparency and Public Communication
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Nigerians informed through accurate and timely communication regarding military activities and national security issues.
It emphasized that official information concerning the Armed Forces and senior military leadership will continue to be disseminated through recognized communication platforms to prevent the spread of false narratives.
The military also reiterated its determination to safeguard public trust through transparency and factual reporting.
Combating the Spread of Fake News
The emergence of manipulated videos and misleading online content has highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age.
Security experts continue to encourage media literacy and responsible online behaviour as important tools for preventing the spread of false information capable of causing unnecessary panic or misunderstanding.
By verifying information before sharing it, citizens can contribute to promoting credible public discourse and protecting national stability.
Public Urged to Ignore the Viral Video
The Defence Headquarters has therefore urged Nigerians to disregard the viral video falsely linked to General Olufemi Oluyede and other senior military officials.
The military reaffirmed that the content is entirely fake and called on members of the public to support efforts aimed at curbing misinformation by relying on verified sources and reporting misleading content where necessary.
The statement underscores the Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining public confidence through accurate information, responsible communication, and continued dedication to national security.
