Abdulsalami urges Nigeria to unite against insecurity

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), stated that every Nigerian has a stake in the fight against insecurity, emphasizing that defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires citizens to collaborate with security agencies and the government at all levels.

In a statement released on his 84th birthday, he reflected on the state of the nation and expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country. He noted that the recent death of Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.) and the many Nigerians affected by insecurity underscore the urgency of collective action to restore peace and stability.

Drawing on his years of service in the Nigerian Armed Forces, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War and peacekeeping operations abroad, he said he has a deep understanding of the sacrifices required to protect the nation. He also acknowledged that many countries face economic and security difficulties.

He urged Nigeria to remain focused on supporting efforts to maintain law and order, adding that the country’s security agencies have shown commitment in confronting terrorism. However, he insisted that citizens must also play active roles in defeating the criminal elements threatening national unity.

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

He expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media, saying such actions embolden terrorists and criminal groups by promoting false narratives and propaganda. He urged Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious, and political differences and unite against those responsible for violence and instability.

The former leader noted that criminals do not discriminate based on identity and further encouraged members of the armed forces and other security agencies to remain resolute in carrying out their duties despite the challenges they face.

He also called on authorities to sustain decisive measures aimed at ending insecurity and preventing further loss of lives.

Reaffirming his commitment to the unity of Nigeria, the former Head of State said he still dreams of a peaceful and prosperous nation that future generations can inherit.

He appealed to citizens to remain calm, law‑abiding, and vigilant while offering prayers for the families of security personnel and other victims who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

He said 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 he pleaded that Nigerians unite to fight against terror, the statement said.

He reiterated that over the years, the politicisation of security matters has worsened the situation, bringing the nation to where it is today. He urged Nigerians “to 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 propaganda for political and other selfish gains was also giving oxygen to terrorist groups, and that the use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives encourages 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.”