The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has dismissed a viral video claiming that the Armed Forces plans to forcefully recruit citizens aged 18 and above into military service. According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the video featuring a cloned image of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is fabricated and aimed at misleading the public and smearing the military leadership.
The statement emphasizes that neither the Chief of Defence Staff nor any Service Chief has issued such a directive, describing the claim as malicious and mischievous. Brig.-Gen. Uba explained that recruitment into the Armed Forces remains voluntary, with thousands of Nigerians applying willingly during each enlistment exercise. He cautioned the public against the growing spread of digitally manipulated content, particularly with the ease of creating fake videos through Artificial Intelligence tools.
The Director of Defence Information urged Nigerians to verify information from official Defence Headquarters communication channels before sharing. He stressed that only statements issued through authorized spokespersons and verified social media handles should be considered credible. The public has been advised to disregard the video in circulation, describing it as fake and baseless.
The incident highlights the need for vigilance in the digital age, where misinformation can spread quickly. The Nigerian military has consistently maintained that its recruitment processes are transparent and voluntary, with applicants undergoing rigorous selection procedures. The Defence Headquarters’ clarification aims to reassure the public and prevent unnecessary panic or misinformation.
In recent years, the Nigerian military has faced various challenges, including insurgency and banditry. However, the forces have consistently demonstrated their commitment to protecting the country and its citizens. The dismissal of the viral video serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information through credible sources, particularly in the era of social media and digital manipulation. By doing so, the public can ensure they are informed and up-to-date on accurate developments, rather than being misled by false information.
