By Oseremen Ihimekpen
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity, insisting that defeating terrorism and other forms of criminality cannot be left to security agencies and government alone.
Abdulsalami, who made the appeal in a statement issued to mark his 84th birthday, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the country. He said every Nigerian has a stake in restoring peace and stability.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, the former military leader said the recent death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and the killing of many other Nigerians by criminal elements underscored the urgent need for collective action against insecurity.
According to him, decades of military service, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War and peacekeeping operations abroad, had given him a profound appreciation of the sacrifices required to preserve national unity and security.
While acknowledging that several countries are grappling with economic and security challenges, Abdulsalami stressed that Nigeria must remain steadfast in supporting efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.
He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment to confronting terrorism and insurgency, but maintained that citizens also have critical roles to play in defeating criminal groups threatening the country’s unity.
“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.”
The former Head of State blamed the politicisation of security issues for worsening the crisis, warning that divisive narratives and selfish interests had weakened efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
He further decried the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media, saying the circulation of false narratives and propaganda was emboldening 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.”
Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious, and political differences and rally behind the government and security agencies in the fight against criminal elements. He noted that terrorists and bandits do not discriminate on the basis of identity.
“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 also encouraged members of the armed forces and other security personnel to remain resolute despite the enormous challenges confronting them. He called on authorities to sustain decisive measures aimed at ending insecurity and preventing further loss of lives.
Reaffirming his commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria, the elder statesman said he still dreams of a peaceful and prosperous country that future generations can proudly inherit. He urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, while offering prayers for families of security personnel and other victims who lost their lives in the line of duty.
