Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) has said that every Nigerian has a stake in the fight against insecurity, adding that defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires citizens to join hands with security agencies and government at all levels as the nation continues to grapple with insecurity.

In a statement to mark his 84th birthday, where he reviewed the state of the nation and expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation in the country, he said the recent death of Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd) and many other Nigerians affected by insecurity highlights the need for collective action to restore peace and stability.

He said his years of service in the Nigerian Armed Forces, which included participation in the Nigerian Civil War and peacekeeping operations abroad, had given him a deep understanding of the sacrifices required to protect the nation. “Many countries are facing economic and security difficulties, he said.

He said Nigeria must continue to be committed to supporting efforts to strengthen law and order, adding that the country’s security agencies had shown commitment in tackling terrorism but stressed that citizens must also play active roles in defeating criminal elements threatening national unity.

He blamed the politicisation of security issues for the worsening of the crisis, cautioning that divisive narratives and selfish interests have hindered efforts to solve insecurity.

He decried the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media saying such acts have emboldened terrorists and criminal groups by spreading false narratives and propaganda. He called on Nigerians to put aside their ethnic, religious and political differences and come together against those that spread violence and instability.

The ex-leader said criminals are not choosy about their victims and further called on members of the armed forces and other security agencies to continue to be steadfast in the discharge of their duties in the face of the challenges they face.

He also appealed to the authorities to sustain firm action to end insecurity and prevent more loss of lives.

The former Head of State restated his faith in the unity of Nigeria and said he still dreams of a Nigeria that will be peaceful and prosperous for generations to come to inherit.

He appealed to the citizens to maintain calm, remain law abiding and vigilant and prayed for the families of the security personnel and other victims who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

“It is clear that the achievement of this goal must be inclusive. The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not only their fight. Every citizen has a stake and my plea is for Nigerians to unite to fight terror,” the statement said.

“The politicization of security issues over the years has worsened the situation and that has brought us to where we are today,” the statement says. Let us join hands with the government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life or any other form of identity.

He said 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 will inspire another and unless we have a rethink we will continue to fuel this crisis.