{
  "id": 8975209,
  "title": "AI‑Driven Disinformation Threatens Nigeria’s Security Operations, Expert Warns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/ai-driven-disinformation-threatens-nigerias-security-operations",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-21T18:10:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/21/ai%e2%80%91driven-disinformation-threatens-nigerias-security-operations-expert-warns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Technology and media expert Job Mwadkon Dachungyang has warned that AI-powered disinformation, deepfakes, and coordinated online propaganda are increasingly endangering Nigeria's security apparatus and public confidence. Speaking at a media workshop organized by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Dachungyang highlighted that modern security operations now occur on two fronts: the physical world and the rapidly evolving digital information space. He emphasized that the ubiquity of smartphones and social media means that news about security incidents often spreads to millions before authorities can fact-check the information. This rapid dissemination complicates joint operations involving multiple agencies with varied communication structures. While AI offers advantages such as real-time sentiment analysis, threat monitoring, and early crisis detection, it also presents new vulnerabilities. Dachungyang cautioned that AI-generated fake videos, audio recordings, and official-looking messages can deceive the public, disrupt operations, or even impersonate senior commanders to disseminate false instructions. Deepfakes, he described, are particularly pernicious, as fabricated content could instill panic or confusion among security personnel and civilians. Another major weakness identified by the expert is the lag in official communication. When verified information is not released promptly, rumors and speculation proliferate. He urged security institutions to adopt faster verification and communication systems capable of keeping pace with the speed of online misinformation. Dachungyang also underscored communication silos among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security bodies. Conflicting statements, he argued, can undermine successful operations and erode public trust. He stressed that public trust is now a core component of national security, as communities are more likely to cooperate with security agencies when institutions display credibility, consistency, clarity, speed, and transparency. Stronger trust enhances the flow of information from citizens to security agencies, especially in areas plagued by insecurity. To combat these digital threats, Dachungyang recommended establishing AI verification and fact-checking units to detect deepfakes, investigate coordinated online manipulation, and verify digital content. He also proposed multi-agency media intelligence frameworks to ensure real-time coordination during joint operations. He called for enhanced collaboration between security institutions, media organizations, and judicial authorities to counter malicious disinformation and digital manipulation. Dachungyang concluded by advocating for a new three-part leadership model for security leaders and public relations officers: battle-ready, media-ready, and AI-aware. This model requires an understanding of tactical operations, crisis communication, digital verification, and the influence of AI-driven platforms on public narratives. The workshop aligns with the Nigerian Army's ongoing initiatives to bolster media engagement, maintain public support for operations, and communicate successes across various theaters.",
  "summary": "Yemi Kosoko in Jos Artificial intelligence–powered disinformation, deepfakes and coordinated online propaganda pose a growing threat to Nigeria’s security architecture and public trust, technology and media expert Job Mwadkon Dachungyang",
  "key_points": [
    "AI-powered disinformation threatens Nigeria's security operations.",
    "Rapid spread of security news on social media complicates joint operations.",
    "AI verification units recommended to combat deepfakes and coordinated manipulation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}