By Augustine Ehikioya
The Defence Headquarters has distanced the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Olufemi Olatunbosun Oloyede from a viral video purportedly showing the CDS making some malicious remarks.
It said the video had mischievously cloned the image of the CDS.
This was contained in a statement by Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information (DDI), Defence Headquarters, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to the circulation of a fake video depicting a mischievously cloned image of the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede.
“In the fake video, a malicious statement was attributed to him about the intent of the military to forcefully recruit young Nigerians from the age of 18 years into the military against their will.”
This fake statement and video, according to the statement, are clearly intended to defame the character of the Chief of Defence Staff and are capable of portraying the military in bad light.
“The military remains a noble profession with thousands of patriotic Nigerians ever ready to willingly join its ranks as attested to during various recruitment exercises into the 3 arms of the Nigerian military.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be on record that the purported statement was never made by the Chief of Defence Staff, any of the Service Chiefs and indeed by any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“In this age of Artificial Intelligence, disinformation and malinformation it is important that care is taken by all to avoid the creation and sharing of fake statements and videos without clearly verifying their source and authenticity.
“It is therefore important for all to note that all statements and releases from the Chief of Defence Staff are to be sourced from verified Defence Headquarter’s designated spokespersons and its official social media handles.”
The statement further urged everyone to disregard the fake video and statement in circulation.
