AI-driven fake news threatens Nigeria’s security — Group

The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI) has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence-powered fake news, deepfakes and digital disinformation could create fresh security challenges for Nigeria if urgent action is not taken.

The group said emerging technologies are making it easier to forge official documents, clone the voices of public officials and produce convincing fake videos capable of undermining public trust and fuelling instability.

In a statement issued on Friday, GMI National Coordinator, Samaila Musa, expressed concern that disinformation campaigns are becoming increasingly sophisticated and coordinated.

According to him, the trend is making it more difficult for citizens to distinguish between authentic information and fabricated content.

Musa said: “What we are seeing today is no longer just the casual sharing of unverified rumours on WhatsApp.

“Mischief-makers and desperate actors are now using advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to forge official documents, clone the voices of top government officials, and create deepfake videos of religious and regional leaders.”

He warned that manipulated videos and audio recordings, particularly those circulated in local languages, are often designed to mislead citizens, inflame tensions and trigger violence.

The organisation noted that the threat comes at a time when Nigeria is already battling insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts.

According to GMI, the spread of false information could further weaken national cohesion and complicate security operations.

Musa said the circulation of fabricated military casualty figures, altered footage of military operations and false allegations against security agencies could damage public confidence and affect troop morale.

He said: “The constant spread of fake military casualty figures, doctored videos of tactical retreats and false narratives of complicity among our troops only serves to demoralise the brave men and women on the frontline.

“It gives undue confidence to bandits, insurgents and criminals.”

The group also warned that disinformation is increasingly being used to exploit ethnic and religious divisions across the country.

It said fabricated reports of attacks and misleading narratives targeting specific communities have the potential to provoke reprisals and deepen existing tensions.

While acknowledging citizens’ rights to hold government accountable, GMI stressed that deliberate misinformation and document forgery should not be mistaken for legitimate civic engagement.

The organisation urged Nigerians to verify sensitive information before sharing it and called on law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement of existing cybercrime laws against those involved in organised disinformation campaigns.

It also appealed to major social media platforms to improve monitoring mechanisms and swiftly remove harmful content capable of inciting violence.

Musa warned that the consequences of digital falsehoods could outlast economic challenges and have far-reaching implications for national unity.

He said: “A damaged economy can be repaired, but a nation torn apart by ethnic and religious violence fuelled by digital lies is difficult to rebuild.

“We must choose patriotism over viral engagement and protect Nigeria’s security by refusing to be tools for spreading falsehood.”

The warning comes amid growing global concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create highly realistic but false content, commonly known as deepfakes.

Security experts and governments around the world have increasingly raised concerns that advances in AI technology are making it easier for malicious actors to impersonate public officials, manipulate speeches and fabricate videos capable of influencing public opinion or inciting unrest.

Nigeria has witnessed several instances of false videos, manipulated images and forged government documents circulating widely during election periods, security incidents and major national events, often prompting clarifications from government agencies and fact-checking organisations.