Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility in the fight against insecurity, stressing that defeating terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality requires the cooperation of citizens, security agencies and government at all levels.
Abubakar made the appeal in a statement issued to mark his 84th birthday, where he reflected on national challenges and expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country.
The elder statesman said the recent death of Abubakar Rabe and many other victims of insecurity highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.
Drawing from his decades of military service, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War and international peacekeeping missions, Abdulsalami noted that protecting a nation requires sacrifice, commitment and unity of purpose.
While acknowledging that many countries around the world are grappling with economic and security challenges, he stressed that Nigeria must remain focused on strengthening efforts to maintain law and order.
According to him, the nation’s security agencies have shown determination in confronting terrorism and other threats, but the responsibility of securing the country should not rest solely on their shoulders.
“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.
The former Head of State blamed the politicisation of security matters for worsening the country’s security challenges, arguing that divisive narratives and narrow interests have undermined efforts to effectively address the crisis.
According to him, security issues should be treated as national concerns rather than political tools.
“Over the years, politicisation of security matters has worsened the situation, and this has brought us to where we are today. 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 stated.
Abubakar also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and fake news on social media, warning that false narratives and propaganda often serve the interests of terrorists and criminal groups.
He argued that the dissemination of misleading information can embolden criminal elements and contribute to the continuation of violence and insecurity.
“Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups, even as 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 said.
The former military leader called on Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious and political differences and unite against those responsible for violence and instability in the country.
He also encouraged members of the armed forces and other security agencies to remain committed to their duties despite the difficulties and risks associated with their work.
Furthermore, Abdulsalami urged authorities to sustain decisive actions aimed at combating insecurity and preventing further loss of lives across the country.
Reaffirming his belief in Nigeria’s future, he said he remains hopeful of a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation that future generations can inherit.
He also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding and supportive of efforts to strengthen national security, while offering prayers for families of security personnel and civilians who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
