Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has warned against the politicisation of insecurity, urging Nigerians to unite in confronting banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
In a statement marking his 84th birthday, Abdulsalami said those responsible for insecurity do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or communal identity, stressing that propaganda and false narratives only embolden criminal groups.
He expressed concern that fake news circulated on social media was encouraging terrorists and worsening the country’s security challenges.
“The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis,” he said.
Abdulsalami urged the armed forces and other security agencies to remain resolute in their efforts and not be discouraged, while calling on the government to take decisive actions to end the wave of violence.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and said he still dreams of a peaceful and prosperous nation that future generations can inherit.
The former Head of State 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.
