National Security: CDS urges journalists to combat AI-generated fake news

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has urged defence correspondents to partner with the armed forces to counter AI-generated fake videos and misinformation that threaten national security.

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Mr Oluyede, an army general, made the call in his goodwill message at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference 2026 on Monday in Abuja.

The conference is on the theme: “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security.”

The CDS, who was represented by the Director Defence Information, Sumaila Musa, described the theme as apt, saying it reflects the evolving character of modern warfare and the direction the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is deliberately pursuing.

“Today, battles are no longer won by firepower alone. They are won by superior information, real-time intelligence, technological dominance, cyber resilience, and the ability to control the narrative space.

“From space-based surveillance and geospatial intelligence to Artificial Intelligence-enabled decision support and joint intelligence fusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is investing in non-kinetic capabilities to outpace adversaries, protect citizens and secure our national interests,” he said.

Mr Oluyede said the understanding informed the recent drive at the Defence Space Administration, the expansion of modular earth observation outposts into operational theatres, the establishment of the Defence Space School for human capital development, and the ongoing integration of AI and advanced surveillance systems across operations.

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He said the AFN was building a force that is not only combat-ready but also intelligence-driven and technology-enabled.

The CDS, however, expressed concern over the growing misuse of technology, particularly AI-generated fake videos, manipulated images, cloned voices and false operational claims being circulated to mislead the public.

He said such content was being deliberately circulated to incite fear, discredit troops, and undermine national security efforts.

“These deepfakes are not mere misinformation; they are weapons of psychological warfare aimed at eroding public trust in the Armed Forces and rupturing the vital bond between the military and the citizenry.

“In today’s information age, security operations are fought not only on the battlefield but also in the information domain.

“Also, a single AI-generated video can undo months of operational gains, endanger troops, and cause panic in communities. This is a shared threat to our national security,” he said.

Mr Oluyede said DECAN stands as a critical partner as gatekeepers, fact-checkers and bridge-builders.

Speaking further, he called on the association to uphold truth as a national security imperative by verifying with Defence Headquarters before publishing sensitive operational content.

The CDS also urged DECAN to partner with the military to expose fake AI messages by lending their professional platforms to educate the public on identifying synthetic media and promptly debunking fake videos attributed to the Armed Forces.

He further charged the correspondents to champion intelligence-led journalism that goes beyond sensational headlines to informed, technology-aware reporting that strengthens jointness, promotes civil-military trust and counters extremist propaganda.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in its constitutional duty to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and democracy. But we cannot succeed alone.

“The trust, cooperation and synergy between the military and the citizenry, mediated through a responsible press, remain indispensable,” he said.

Mr Oluyede commended DECAN for sustaining professionalism, patriotism and partnership in defence reporting, assuring the association of Defence Headquarters’ continued support and open-door policy for timely and accurate information sharing.

(NAN)