The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly rejected reports alleging that the Nigerian military is preparing to forcibly conscript citizens aged 18 and above, describing the claims as entirely fabricated.
Brigadier-General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), clarified that the misleading narrative originated from a manipulated video circulating on social media, in which a cloned image of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, was used to spread false information.
According to Uba, the viral footage falsely claimed that the CDS had announced plans to compel young Nigerians to join the armed forces. He stressed that the content was maliciously produced with the intention of misleading the public and casting the military in a negative light.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a fake video that mischievously used a cloned image of the Chief of Defence Staff,” he said.
He explained that the statement inserted into the doctored video—suggesting that the military was considering mandatory enlistment for citizens from age 18—was a complete fabrication. Uba reiterated that there is no truth to the claim and that the Nigerian Armed Forces has never issued such a directive.
Uba highlighted that the military remains a respected institution with thousands of Nigerians voluntarily applying to join through open and transparent recruitment exercises conducted across the Army, Air Force, and Navy. He emphasised that patriotism and willingness continue to drive enlistment, not coercion.
He described the trending misinformation as an attempt to tarnish the image of the CDS and spread unwarranted fear. Uba noted that disinformation has become even more dangerous in an era where artificial intelligence tools can easily manipulate images and audio clips, making it increasingly important for the public to be vigilant.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the purported statement was never made by the Chief of Defence Staff, any of the Service Chiefs, or any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to rely only on authenticated communication channels when seeking updates or statements from the military, stressing that all official information from the CDS is released exclusively through designated DHQ spokespersons and verified media platforms.
Uba appealed to the public to disregard the viral video and refrain from sharing it, warning that the spread of falsehoods undermines public trust and could pose a threat to national security if left unchecked.
“All official statements from the Chief of Defence Staff come only through verified DHQ spokespersons and official social media handles. The public is kindly requested to disregard the fake video and statement in circulation,” he added.
What You Should Know
The false claim about forced military recruitment originated from an AI-manipulated video falsely attributed to the Chief of Defence Staff.
The Defence Headquarters has categorically denied the report, reassuring Nigerians that recruitment into the armed forces remains voluntary and conducted through official channels.
The DHQ urged citizens to be cautious of misinformation, especially as digital manipulation becomes more sophisticated.
