The Coalition for Security Awareness and National Stability (CSANS) has cautioned against the growing use of social media as a platform for trying public officials, warning that such practices could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions and undermine national security.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the coalition’s National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, said allegations against public officials, including security personnel, should be handled through constitutionally recognised institutions rather than public campaigns on social media.

The group expressed concern over what it described as a sustained social media campaign by activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), against the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Jimoh Moshood, arguing that the matter should be subjected to due process.

CSANS maintained that while citizens have the right to demand accountability from public officials, such demands must be pursued within the framework of the law to ensure fairness, transparency and justice for all parties.

According to the coalition, replacing lawful investigative and judicial processes with public opinion risks weakening confidence in security agencies and could embolden criminal elements seeking to discredit law enforcement institutions.

The organisation noted that AIG Moshood had served the Nigeria Police Force for nearly three decades, rising through the ranks on the strength of professionalism and dedication, adding that his record should be assessed through established legal and institutional mechanisms rather than media narratives.

CSANS also acknowledged VDM’s advocacy on alleged human rights violations but stressed that activism is most effective when guided by facts, credible evidence and respect for due process.

The coalition urged Nigerians to exercise caution in sharing unverified allegations online, warning that sensational social media campaigns involving security institutions could have wider implications for public order and national stability.

It further called on security and intelligence agencies to remain vigilant and, where necessary, investigate activities capable of threatening public order while respecting the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens.

Reaffirming its confidence in the rule of law, CSANS urged all parties to allow lawful institutions to determine allegations against public officials, insisting that national security should never become a casualty of social media sensationalism.