Insecurity: Fake news, political propaganda fueling terrorism — Abdulsalami
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 […]
