The Nigerian Army has cautioned people living in the South-East to beware of fake videos and audio recordings spreading online.
This warning follows the recent circulation of a viral video that falsely claims the Federal Government, along with governors from the South-East and North, are secretly planning to move weapons into the South-East for an attack. The video, which has been widely shared on social media, sparked fear and confusion among residents.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, described the video as “entirely deceptive” and said it was created with the intention to cause ethnic tension and division in the country.
He noted, “Ordinarily, the Division/Operation Udo Ka will not dignify such baseless allegations with a response.” However, because of the possible negative effect of the misinformation, the Army felt it was important to respond firmly. He said the content was a “calculated attempt to incite disaffection among ethnic groups in the country.”
Lt. Col. Ayeni pointed out that this kind of false information is meant to create fear and panic in the public. He also said it goes against the Army’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and safety in the region. He stressed that security agencies in the South-East have been working together to improve safety and promote peaceful living.
He also noted that anyone or any group trying to weaken the security structure in the region would not succeed. Security agencies are now working to identify and locate those responsible for spreading the false video.
The Army asked the public to stay alert and only trust verified information from reliable sources, especially during this time when artificial intelligence and digital editing tools can be used to mislead people.
He ended by saying, “All residents are equally urged to promote a peaceful atmosphere through unity and mutual trust in the interest of national security.”
