Insecurity: Political propaganda, circulating fake news gives ‘Oxygen’ to terrorists— Abdulsalami

Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has warned that political propaganda and dissemination of fake news are giving “oxygen” to terrorist groups and worsening the country’s security challenges.

Retired General Abdulsalami gave the warning in a statement he issued to newsmen on the occasion of his 84th birthday.

He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support over the years but said the occasion also offered an opportunity to reflect on the country’s current realities.

The former military leader described the recent killing of General Rabbe Abubakar and many other victims of insecurity as a tragic reminder of the threats confronting the nation.

Drawing from his experience as a soldier who fought in the Nigerian Civil War and later led peacekeeping operations abroad, Abdulsalami acknowledged that while many countries are grappling with economic and security difficulties, Nigeria must remain focused on supporting efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.

According to him, defeating terrorism and other forms of insecurity requires a collective national response beyond the efforts of the armed forces and security agencies. “It is clear that the success of attaining this objective must be inclusive.

The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism, but this is not their fight alone. “Every citizen has a stake, and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight terror,” he said.

The elder statesman lamented what he described as the increasing politicisation of security issues, warning that partisan interests have complicated efforts to address the country’s security crisis. “Over the years, politicisation of security matters has worsened the situation and this has brought us to where we are today,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to work with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat criminal elements, noting that terrorists do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or social status.

Abdulsalami further argued that misinformation and politically motivated narratives were indirectly aiding terrorist groups. “Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups.

“The use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives has served to encourage terrorists and other criminal groups. “The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis,” he warned.

He urged members of the armed forces and security agencies not to relent in their operations against terrorism and other forms of criminality, assuring them that their sacrifices were appreciated.

The former Head of State also called on the government to sustain decisive actions aimed at ending the wave of violence and insecurity across the country. Describing Nigeria as the only homeland shared by all its citizens, Abdulsalami reaffirmed his belief in the unity and future of the nation.

“Nigeria is the only country we have. I joined the army to defend it with my life. I am a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria,” he said. “At my age, it remains my dream that we hand over to our children a united and prosperous nation.”

He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, stressing that overcoming the country’s challenges requires collective responsibility and commitment.

Abdulsalami also offered prayers for the families of fallen security personnel and other victims of insecurity, while thanking Nigerians for their continued goodwill toward him and his family.

“May Allah help us rebuild our dear country. God bless Nigeria,” he said.