… Demands crackdown by security agencies
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has made a declaration, describing social media as a “terrorist organisation” and calling on Nigeria’s security agencies to take urgent action against its growing influence.
Speaking during a public engagement on Wednesday, the revered traditional leader expressed deep concern over the unchecked spread of misinformation and harmful narratives on digital platforms.
His remarks were captured in a video shared by News Central, sparking immediate attention and debate across various sectors.
“What happened has happened. You cannot come and be doing social media because that is one terrorist organisation,” the Sultan remarked.
“Social media is a terrorist organisation. What they do—somebody will sit down in his comfort zone and formulate stories, and you will discover that it is not true.”
The Sultan’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the ease and speed at which unverified information can circulate online, often leading to societal tensions, public unrest, and reputational damage.
He emphasised that individuals hiding behind the anonymity of the internet are fuelling instability by deliberately creating and spreading false content.
He reiterated his stance with a direct call to action: “So, social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media.”
While his remarks may generate controversy, especially in light of Nigeria’s ongoing debates about free speech and digital regulation, they underscore a growing concern among leaders about the impact of online disinformation on national cohesion and public safety.
