The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a stark warning that the proliferation of fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security and the integrity of its military operations.
Speaking at a seminar for the Directorate of Army Public Relations in Abuja, Oluyede, who was represented by Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, emphasized that modern conflicts are no longer confined to the physical battlefield.1 He stated that the “information domain,” where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are key, is now a crucial front.2
Key points from the COAS’s statement:
- Digital Threats: Oluyede noted that the rapid advancement of digital technology and artificial intelligence has accelerated the spread of false information, making it easier for misinformation and doctored content to go viral unchecked.3
- Eroding Trust: He highlighted that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes can fuel ethnic and religious divisions, incite violence, and undermine public trust in official institutions, all of which threaten national cohesion.
- Need for Collaboration: The COAS stressed the importance of a strong partnership between the military and the media.4 He urged journalists and public relations officers to work together to ensure that only verified and factual information dominates public discourse, as “truth and trust win wars.”
This warning from the Nigerian Army comes amid growing concerns in Nigeria about the use of misinformation and disinformation to create social unrest and undermine government efforts to maintain peace. The military has previously taken steps to combat fake news, including debunking false reports and threatening legal action against those who deliberately spread misleading information.5
