Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity, stressing that the battle against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality cannot be left solely to government and security agencies.
In a statement marking his 84th birthday, Abdulsalami expressed concern over the country’s worsening security challenges and urged citizens to play active roles in restoring peace, stability and national cohesion.
The elder statesman said the recent death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, alongside the killing of many other Nigerians by criminal elements, highlighted the urgent need for collective action to tackle insecurity across the country.
Drawing from his decades of military service, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War and international peacekeeping missions, Abdulsalami said he understands the sacrifices required to preserve national unity and safeguard lives and property.
While acknowledging that many countries face economic and security pressures, he maintained that Nigeria must remain resolute in supporting efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.
He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, but emphasized that citizens also have an important role in defeating criminal groups threatening the nation’s stability.
“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 against terror,” he said.
Abdulsalami attributed part of the country’s security challenges to the politicisation of insecurity, warning that divisive narratives and narrow interests have undermined efforts to effectively address the crisis.
He also condemned the growing spread of misinformation and fake news on social media, noting that false narratives and propaganda have inadvertently emboldened terrorists and other criminal 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 stated.
The former Head of State urged Nigerians to put aside ethnic, religious and political differences and support government and security agencies in confronting criminal elements, noting that insecurity affects all citizens regardless of identity or affiliation.
“Let us join forces with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life, or other forms of identity,” he said.
He further encouraged members of the armed forces and other security personnel to remain steadfast despite the challenges confronting them and called on authorities to sustain decisive measures aimed at ending insecurity and preventing further loss of lives.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress, Abdulsalami expressed hope for a peaceful and prosperous nation that future generations can proudly inherit. He also urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, while offering prayers for security personnel and other victims who lost their lives in the line of duty.
