NSA Monguno blames social media for killings in Nigeria

National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (retd), Thursday said abuse of social media platforms is responsible for killings across the country, especially in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue and Zamfara States.

According to him, intelligence findings have revealed that several of the crises and killings taking place in the country were fuelled by abuse of the social media by those who do not mean well for the country.

The NSA further disclosed that the Federal Government has banned unauthorised acquisition of firearms, drones and some specialised broadcast equipment.

Monguno disclosed this during the General Security Appraisal Committee meeting at the Office of NSA (ONSA) in Abuja, adding that the abuse of social media platforms, in addition to illicit acquisition of controlled items by non-state actors, had become the major source of insecurity in the country.

He however warned those already in possession of these unauthorised items to surrender them to the appropriate authorities to avoid the full wrath of the law.

He said: “Members of the public are sternly warned against illicit acquisition of controlled items such as firearms, remotely piloted aircraft (drones) and broadcast equipment, among others.

“Accordingly, those with such illegally acquired controlled items are, hereby, advised to voluntarily surrender them to the appropriate security agencies.”

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Director-General of Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Yusuf Bichi, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, CDI, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman, and representatives of other security agencies.

According to the NSA, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara and Kaduna states are areas abuse of social media platforms through fake news, hate speech and incitement had fuelled insecurity, adding that the Federal Government was taking all necessary measures to address the underlying unresolved conflicts and bring all perpetrators to justice.

He said: “The Federal Government is concerned that social media and other communication platforms are now used to exacerbate tension through rumour, hate speech and incitement.

“Nigerians are reminded that all laws and regulations against hate speech and incitement will be fully enforced to ensure peace, security and freedom for all Nigerians wherever they chose to live.

“In a bid to address these spates of civil disturbances, heads of security agencies have reviewed the internal security situation and resolved to take all necessary measures within the law to curb this violence.”

 

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