Posted by Chinenye on Fri 19th Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has sounded a fresh warning over Nigeria's worsening security crisis, insisting that defeating terrorism and violent crime cannot be left to security agencies alone.
(Abdulsalami Abubakar. Photo Credit: Premuim Times)
As insecurity persists across Nigeria, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) has said that every Nigerian must take responsibility for fighting back against insecurity, stressing that defeating t3rrorism and other criminal activities demands that citizens collaborate with security agencies and governments at all levels.
In a statement issued to mark his 84th birthday, during which he reflected on the state of the nation and expressed alarm at the deteriorating security situation across the country, he noted that the recent d£ath of Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.) and numerous other Nigerians affected by insecurity highlighted the need for urgent collective action to restore peace and stability.
According to him, his years serving in the Nigerian Armed Forces, including his participation in the Nigerian Civil War and international peacekeeping missions, have provided him with a profound understanding of the sacrifices necessary to safeguard the nation.
He acknowledged that many countries face economic and security challenges, but said Nigeria must remain committed to supporting efforts to maintain law and order.
He noted that the country's security agencies have demonstrated resolve in fighting t3rrorism, but stressed that citizens must equally take active roles in defeating criminal elements threatening national unity.
He criticized the politicization of security issues for deepening the crisis, cautioning that divisive narratives and selfish interests have undermined efforts to tackle insecurity.
He expressed concern over the proliferation of misinformation and false information on social media, saying such actions have strengthened t3rrorists and criminal groups by spreading false claims and propaganda.
He urged Nigerians to put aside ethnic, religious and political differences and stand united against those responsible for violence and instability.
He noted that criminals make no distinctions based on identity and encouraged members of the armed forces and other security personnel to remain steadfast in their duties despite the challenges ahead.
He also called on authorities to maintain firm action aimed at ending insecurity and preventing further loss of life.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria's unity, the former leader said he continues to envision a peaceful and prosperous nation that future generations can inherit.
He appealed to citizens to stay calm, law-abiding and observant, while offering prayers for the families of security personnel and other victims who have p£rish£d in the line of duty.
He stressed that attaining peace must be a collective endeavour.
While the armed forces and security agencies have shown strength in the fight against t3rrorism, he emphasized that this is not their battle alone, as every citizen has a stake in the outcome.
He called for Nigerians to unite in the fight against terror.
He warned that the politicization of security matters has worsened the situation over time, and urged Nigerians to join forces with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat those responsible, who do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, communal identity or other forms of distinction.
He added that propaganda driven by political or selfish motives is also fuelling t3rrorist groups, while the use of false information on social media to spread misleading narratives has served to embolden t3rrorists and other criminal elements.
He warned that the success of one t3rrorist group encourages others, and stressed that unless there is a fundamental change in approach, the crisis will continue to be perpetuated.