The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a stern warning that fake news, manipulated images, and AI-generated deepfake content pose significant threats to Nigeria’s national security, military operations, and public trust. The warning came during the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ quarterly seminar in Abuja on October 7, 2025.
Lens News gathered that the Chief of Army was represented by Maj-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, Commander of the Army Cyber Warfare Command, the COAS emphasised that misinformation has become a “digital weapon” capable of dividing the country more rapidly than conventional insurgent attacks. He said battlefield victories are no longer enough, arguing that modern conflicts are increasingly fought in the information domain, where narratives and perceptions can shift loyalties, erode morale, and undermine operational integrity.
Oluyede cautioned that fake news does not only mislead the public; it directly impacts troop morale and can hamper ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. False casualty figures, sensationalized reports, or misleading visuals can distort reality and put both civilians and military personnel at risk.
He called on the media, including journalists and military information officers, to collaborate closely to ensure that what is published or broadcast is verified, accurate, and not created to provoke panic or division. The COAS emphasized that truth and trust are becoming as critical to defence efforts as weapons and logistics.
The concern over misinformation is set against a backdrop where digital technology including AI tools has made it easier than ever for false narratives to spread, often without oversight. The Army has expanded its Cyber Warfare Command’s role to monitor and counter misleading content and propaganda.
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