Abdulsalami: Nigeria must unite against insecurity

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has called on Nigerians to unite against insecurity, saying defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires collective action by citizens, security agencies and government at all levels. In a statement marking his 84th birthday, Abdulsalami expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, stressing that every Nigerian […]

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has called on Nigerians to unite against insecurity, saying defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires collective action by citizens, security agencies and government at all levels.

In a statement marking his 84th birthday, Abdulsalami expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, stressing that every Nigerian has a role to play in restoring peace and stability.

He said the recent death of Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.) and many other victims of insecurity underscored the urgent need for collective efforts to tackle the challenge.

Drawing from his years of service in the Nigerian Armed Forces, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War and international peacekeeping missions, the former military leader said he understood the sacrifices required to defend the nation.

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He acknowledged that many countries are facing economic and security challenges but urged Nigerians to remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.

“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 blamed the politicisation of security issues for worsening the crisis, warning that divisive narratives and selfish interests have weakened efforts to address insecurity.

“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 said.

He also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media, saying such actions have helped terrorists and criminal groups to thrive.

“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 leader urged Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious and political differences and unite against those responsible for violence and instability, noting that criminals do not discriminate based on identity.

He also encouraged members of the armed forces and other security agencies to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties despite prevailing challenges and called on authorities to sustain efforts aimed at ending insecurity and preventing further loss of lives.

Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, Abdulsalami said he still dreams of a peaceful and prosperous nation that future generations can inherit. He 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.