By Andrew Haruna
In a bold and controversial statement that has sparked nationwide debate, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has likened social media platforms to a “terrorist organization”, urging the Nigerian government and security agencies to urgently confront the dangers of online misinformation, digital radicalization, and cyber-instigated civil unrest.
Speaking at a high-level function broadcast live on News Central Television, the revered traditional ruler did not mince words in his critique of the pervasive and often unchecked influence of digital media platforms across Nigeria and beyond.
“Social media is a terrorist organization. What they do is to formulate stories and you will consider it to be true. Social media is a terrorist organization that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organization called social media,” the Sultan declared.
The Sultan’s comments come at a time when Nigeria’s digital ecosystem is increasingly facing scrutiny for enabling the spread of fake news, cyberbullying, digital disinformation, and social engineering attacks that destabilize public trust, incite political tensions, and even compromise national security.
Digital Threats to National Unity
Cybersecurity experts and government stakeholders have long warned of the destabilizing effects of unregulated online content, especially in a politically sensitive environment like Nigeria. From fake election results to fabricated ethnic conflict narratives, social media has often served as a conduit for inflaming division and encouraging anti-government sentiments.
The Sultan’s statement aligns with a growing global concern over the weaponization of information in the digital age. While many netizens argue for freedom of expression, others—especially policymakers and security strategists—stress the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to combat cyber propaganda and malicious online manipulation.
Call for Government Regulation and Cyber Policy Reform
Following the Sultan’s remarks, political analysts have called for a comprehensive national cyber policy that balances freedom of speech with national interest, ensuring that social media platforms operating in Nigeria adhere to stringent content moderation policies.
“The Sultan has opened a very necessary debate. Social media may not be a terrorist group in the literal sense, but the damages caused by unchecked online narratives can be equally devastating,” said Dr. Jamila Garba, a policy analyst at the Nigerian Institute for Strategic Studies.
A Growing Concern Across Africa
The remarks also echo sentiments shared by leaders across Africa who have accused social media platforms of being tools of foreign interference, economic sabotage, and social unrest. Countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, and even Kenya have introduced strict digital laws to combat fake news and electronic subversion.
As Nigeria positions itself as a tech hub in Africa, experts emphasize that digital governance, cyber ethics, and national security must evolve in tandem with innovation.
Final Thoughts
While the Sultan’s words have drawn both applause and criticism, one fact remains: the digital information space in Nigeria is under intense scrutiny. Whether the country will choose censorship or a balanced regulatory framework remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the age of digital accountability has arrived.
