Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity, stressing that defeating terrorism and other forms of criminality requires the collective efforts of citizens, security agencies, and governments at all levels.

Abdulsalami made the call in a statement issued to mark his 84th birthday, where he reflected on the state of the nation and expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country.
The former military leader said the recent death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and the loss of many other Nigerians to insecurity underscore the urgent need for collective action to restore peace and stability.

Drawing from his years of service in the Nigerian Armed Forces, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War and international peacekeeping operations, Abdulsalami said he understands the sacrifices required to safeguard a nation.
He acknowledged that many countries are facing economic and security challenges but stressed that Nigeria must remain focused on supporting efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.

According to him, the nation’s security agencies have demonstrated commitment and resilience in confronting terrorism and other threats, but citizens must also play active roles in defeating criminal elements seeking to destabilise the country.
“It is clear that the success of attaining this objective must be inclusive. The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake, and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror,” he said.

Abdulsalami blamed the politicisation of security issues for aggravating the crisis, warning that divisive narratives and selfish interests have undermined efforts to tackle insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to support government and security agencies in combating criminality, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political, or regional affiliations.

“Let us join forces with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life, or other forms of identity,” he stated.
The former Head of State also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media, noting that false narratives and propaganda often embolden terrorist groups and other criminal elements.

According to him, the glorification of insecurity for political or personal gain encourages criminal groups and weakens national efforts to restore peace.
“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 encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis,” he warned.

Abdulsalami encouraged members of the armed forces and other security agencies to remain steadfast in discharging their duties despite the challenges they face.
He also called on authorities to sustain decisive actions aimed at ending insecurity and preventing further loss of lives across the country.

Reaffirming his commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria, he said he still dreams of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous nation that future generations can proudly inherit.
He appealed to citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant while offering prayers for the families of security personnel and other victims who have lost their lives in the line of duty.