Did Nigeria deploy troops for a peacekeeping mission to Israel as claimed?

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, a viral Facebook video has falsely claimed that Nigeria deployed troops to Israel for a joint peacekeeping mission.

The claim, first shared on social media on June 13, 2025, quickly spread, fueling confusion among Nigerians at home and abroad.

However, a fact-check by DUBAWA has debunked the claim, confirming that the video used to support it was AI-generated and lacks any basis in official reports or credible sources.

The Viral Video: What It Shows and Claims

The video in question features a male broadcaster, allegedly from a fictional TBC News outlet, announcing that Nigerian troops had been sent to Israel on a “friendship mission.”

The speaker describes it as a non-combat initiative, designed to foster strategic alliances and international cooperation. He goes on to say the troops were part of a solidarity program praised by global partners as a sign of African leadership.

The broadcast-style clip has attracted considerable engagement on Facebook, with over 3,300 likes, 474 comments, and 514 shares as of June 24, 2025. It was posted by a user identified as Heirkings and reshared by others, prompting a mix of outrage and disbelief in the comment section.

DUBAWA’s Investigation Reveals AI Fabrication

To determine the authenticity of the video, DUBAWA conducted a forensic analysis using both visual inspection and AI-detection tools. The first red flag appeared in the video itself: the broadcaster’s clothing and appearance mysteriously change mid-clip—from a blue suit and bald head to a different shade of blue suit with a red tie and full hair. This inconsistency indicated likely tampering or manipulation.

Using Hive Moderation, an AI-content detection tool, DUBAWA found the video to be 99% AI-generated. A second analysis using Deepware AI confirmed this conclusion, detecting 93% AI content, based on data weights and image inconsistencies. According to DUBAWA, these tools measure elements such as unnatural motion, facial mismatches, and digital layering—common signs of AI manipulation.

No Credible Media Report or Government Statement

In addition to technical analysis, DUBAWA performed keyword searches across credible media platforms, including local and international outlets. The only legitimate peacekeeping news related to Nigeria was a Voice of Nigeria report about 197 troops deployed to The Gambia for a UN-backed mission. There was no record of any deployment to Israel.

Furthermore, DUBAWA checked official communications from the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, the Presidency, and the Nigerian Armed Forces. None had issued any statement or announcement related to peacekeeping activities in Israel. This absence of confirmation from any authoritative body further discredits the viral claim.

Why Misinformation Like This Matters

False reports about military deployments can cause unnecessary panic, strain diplomatic ties, and spread distrust in national institutions. In this case, public outrage was evident, with some Facebook users criticizing the government for allegedly prioritizing foreign conflicts over domestic issues such as insecurity in Benue and the Niger Delta.

DUBAWA’s fact-check serves as a cautionary reminder to always verify sensational claims—especially those that involve national security—before accepting them as fact or sharing them.

The Claim Is False

There is no evidence that Nigeria deployed troops to Israel for any peacekeeping or solidarity mission. The video used to support this claim is AI-generated, and no credible media platform or government institution has confirmed such an action.

DUBAWA, after a thorough multi-step verification process, concludes that this claim is entirely false.

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