Sultan of Sokoto Urges Nigerians to Support Military, Calls for Social Media Regulation
By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi, The Bureau News
Updated: October 21, 2025 — WAT
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) and the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to stop castigating the nation’s military forces, saying such criticisms demoralize troops working to restore peace across the country.
He made the appeal during the 2025 NTRC General Assembly held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where he also called for stronger regulation of social media to curb misinformation and damaging content targeting national institutions and individuals.
“Stop Demoralizing the Military” — Sultan Abubakar
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” the Sultan lamented that unverified social media reports accusing soldiers of colluding with bandits were false and dangerous.
“Some people are saying that the military collaborates with bandits, claiming soldiers leave a place before attacks happen. Such reckless statements demoralize our troops. We must support the military, not destroy their morale,” he said.
He emphasized that the armed forces are sacrificing their lives to secure Nigeria and deserve the people’s prayers and cooperation, not suspicion or condemnation.
Sultan Calls for Social Media Regulation
On the misuse of social media, Sultan Abubakar noted that there was an urgent need to regulate digital platforms to stop the spread of fake news and hate speech.
“People sit at home and fabricate stories that go viral. Many Nigerians now believe everything they read online without verifying. We must regulate social media to protect truth and national unity,” he said.
He cited false reports that he escaped a mosque attack through a window and another alleging he warned Yoruba leaders against the Igbos, describing them as “completely baseless and dangerous fabrications.”
Denounces False Allegations of Religious Genocide
The Sultan also dismissed foreign claims of “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria, saying traditional rulers across the country would have known if such acts were taking place.
“There is no way killings would happen and traditional rulers would not know. These are false alarms being spread abroad. We must not allow them to divide us,” he said.
Military and Traditional Rulers Reaffirm Partnership
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, commended the Sultan and other traditional rulers, describing them as custodians of wisdom and stability in society. He said the military remains committed to close collaboration with traditional institutions for intelligence gathering and community engagement.
“Traditional rulers are the bedrock of governance and peacebuilding. Their guidance and moral authority have been crucial in preventing crises and promoting unity,” Gen. Musa said.
He stressed the need for a “whole-of-society approach” to national security, involving traditional institutions, youth, women, religious leaders, and government agencies to strengthen peace and unity across Nigeria.
Bagudu, Idris, Emphasize Governance and Cooperation
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, attributed insurgency and insecurity partly to environmental challenges, assuring that the Federal Government will support local and state governments to address them.
Declaring the assembly open, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, dismissed reports that his government hired foreign mercenaries to combat insecurity, reaffirming his administration’s reliance on lawful engagement with Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
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