CDS Raises Alarm Over AI Deepfakes Targeting Military Operations
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has warned that AI-generated fake videos, manipulated images and cloned voices are increasingly being used to mislead the public, discredit troops and undermine Nigeria’s national security operations.
Oluyede said the spread of deepfakes had become a form of psychological warfare capable of eroding public trust in the Armed Forces and causing panic in communities.
The CDS, who was represented by the Director of Defence Information (DDI) Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference 2026 yesterday, said military operations were no longer fought on the battlefield alone but also in the information domain.
He noted that a single AI-generated video could endanger troops, undermine operational gains and damage the relationship between the military and the public.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” Oluyede said modern warfare increasingly depended on real-time intelligence, technological superiority, cyber resilience and effective information management.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria was investing in non-kinetic capabilities, including space-based surveillance, geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence-enabled decision support and joint intelligence fusion, to strengthen its operational effectiveness.
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According to him, the initiatives include expanding modular earth observation outposts into operational theatres, establishing the Defence Space School for human capital development, and integrating AI and advanced surveillance systems into military operations.
The CDS, however, warned that the same technologies being deployed to strengthen national security could be exploited by individuals and groups seeking to spread false information and undermine military efforts.
He called on defence correspondents to verify sensitive operational information with Defence Headquarters before publication, stressing that the demand for speed in news reporting must not come at the expense of accuracy.
Oluyede also urged DECAN members to partner with the military in exposing AI-generated misinformation, educating the public on how to identify synthetic media and promptly debunking fake videos falsely attributed to the Armed Forces.
He challenged journalists to embrace intelligence-led reporting rather than sensational headlines, saying informed and technology-aware journalism could strengthen military cooperation, promote civil-military trust and counter extremist propaganda.
The CDS described the media as a critical partner in national security, noting that the Armed Forces could not effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities without public cooperation and responsible reporting.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Defence Headquarters to maintaining an open-door policy and supporting timely, accurate information sharing with the media.
Oluyede commended DECAN for sustaining professionalism and partnership in defence reporting, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between the military and the press would contribute to national security.
He urged participants at the conference to develop practical solutions to emerging security challenges and promote responsible reporting in an era of rapidly evolving technology.
By PRNigeria
