Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has warned that political propaganda and fake news spread on social media are giving oxygen to terrorist groups and worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
Abdulsalami said propaganda for political and other selfish gains is emboldening terrorists and undermining efforts by security agencies to combat insurgency and banditry.
He decried how fake news spreads on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, noting that false stories, doctored videos and misinformation are being used to propagate extremist narratives and create distrust among citizens.
According to him, some actors deliberately push misleading content to score political points or gain attention, without regard for how such propaganda can aid terrorists, destabilise communities and compromise security operations.
Abdulsalami stressed that the fight against insecurity must be a collective responsibility, urging politicians, media practitioners and citizens to be more responsible in what they say, share and publish.
He called on the media to verify information before publication and avoid sensationalism, warning that careless or unverified reports can compromise ongoing operations, endanger lives and aid terrorist recruitment.
The former Head of State also urged Nigerians to support security agencies with accurate information and to resist being used to spread fake news, saying national interest should come before partisan or personal agendas.
Security experts have noted that terrorism thrives on publicity and propaganda, and misinformation can disrupt operations, create panic and aid groups like Boko Haram by spreading fear and confusion across vulnerable communities.
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