The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has dismissed a viral video that claimed the Armed Forces intended to forcefully recruit citizens aged 18 and above. In a statement, Director of Defence Information Brig‑Gen. Samaila Uba said the video, which features a cloned image of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is fabricated and designed to mislead the public and smear military leadership. He emphasized 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 clarified that recruitment into the Armed Forces remains voluntary, with thousands of Nigerians applying willingly during each enlistment exercise. He warned the public about the growing spread of digitally manipulated content, noting the ease with which fake videos can be created using artificial‑intelligence tools. The Director urged Nigerians to verify information through official Defence Headquarters communication channels before sharing it, stressing that only statements issued by authorized spokespersons and verified social‑media handles should be considered credible.
The public has been advised to disregard the circulating video, which is fake and baseless. This 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 challenges such as insurgency and banditry, yet it has consistently demonstrated its 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, especially in the era of social media and digital manipulation. By doing so, the public can stay informed about accurate developments rather than being misled by false information.
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