The Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, has cautioned residents of the South-East region to be vigilant and not fall for digitally manipulated voice and video content being circulated on social media.
The warning was issued on Tuesday in Enugu by the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, in an official statement.
According to Ayeni, the Division, also serving as the headquarters of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, was alerted to an old and misleading voiceover video that has resurfaced online.
He noted that the video falsely alleges a plot by the Federal Government, in collaboration with South-East and Northern governors, to transport various weapons through airports in order to launch attacks on residents in the region.
Describing the video as misleading and provocative, Ayeni emphasized that the claims are fabricated with the intent to sow discord among Nigeria’s ethnic groups.
“Ordinarily, the Division/Operation UDO KA will not dignify such baseless allegations with a response,” Ayeni stated.
“However, in line with our overarching mission to ensure peace and security for socio-economic development in the region, we find it necessary to strongly condemn the misinformation.”
He described the circulation of the content as a deliberate act meant to spread fear and create public unease.
“The deliberate misinformation is designed to instil fear and cause public anxiety,” he said.
Ayeni further highlighted the efforts of security agencies in promoting peace and safety in the region.
“Furthermore, all security agencies operating in the South-East region have significantly fostered peaceful coexistence through the effective neutralisation of threats to physical security,” he added.
He stressed that attempts to disrupt the existing security structure in the South-East will not succeed.
“Any attempt by anyone or groups of persons to undermine the security architecture in the region would definitely be an effort in futility,” Ayeni warned.
The army spokesman urged members of the public to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of information they consume, especially in an age where artificial intelligence makes digital manipulation easier.
“The public is therefore urged to remain vigilant and rely only on accurate and verified information from credible sources, especially in this era of artificial intelligence and digitally manipulated content,” he advised.
Ayeni also assured the public that security agencies are already tracking those responsible for creating and distributing the deceptive content.
“Relevant security agencies are currently on trail of the perpetrators,” he said.
He concluded by appealing for unity and mutual trust among residents to support national peace and security.
“All residents are equally urged to promote peaceful atmosphere through unity and mutual trust in the interest of national security,” Ayeni added.
