The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports and videos circulating on social media on alleged forceful recruitment of young Nigerians from the age of 18 years into the military.
It described the report, which was attributed to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede, as “fake” and “clearly intended” to defame the character of the CDS and portray the military in bad light.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said on Saturday that the Armed Forces remains a “noble profession with thousands of patriotic Nigerians ever ready to willingly join its ranks as attested to during various recruitment exercises into the three arms of the Nigerian military.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be on record that the purported statement was never made by the Chief of Defence Staff, any of the Service Chiefs and indeed by any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Brig.-Gen Uba said.
The DHQ emphasised the need for individuals to exercise caution when sharing statements and videos to avoid spreading fake news, urging the public to verify the source and authenticity of information before sharing
“It is therefore important for all to note that all statements and releases from the Chief of Defence Staff are to be sourced from verified Defence Headquarter’s designated spokespersons and its official social media handles,” it said
The military high command urged the public to disregard the “fake” report and video in their entirety.