Sultan of Sokoto Calls for Security Agencies to Treat Social Media Like a Terrorist Group [VIDEO]

 

In a fiery and pointed statement that has ignited conversations across the nation, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has sounded the alarm on the growing influence of social media, likening its impact on society to that of a "terrorist organisation."

Speaking during a high-profile public engagement, the revered traditional leader did not mince words as he described the dangers he believes social media poses to national stability, unity, and public order.

"Social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with," the Sultan declared. "Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media."

This blunt characterization has drawn mixed reactions from the public and media analysts, with some applauding the Sultan’s candor in addressing the dangers of online misinformation, fake news, and inflammatory content. Others, however, worry that such a sweeping condemnation could be interpreted as a call for censorship or repression of free speech.

The Sultan, a respected figurehead in Nigeria's religious and traditional leadership hierarchy, appeared to express frustration over how rapidly information spreads online—often unchecked, unverified, and sometimes deliberately designed to provoke unrest or stoke division.

“In many ways, social media has become more than just a platform for communication,” he continued. “It’s a battlefield of ideas, hate speech, manipulation, and dangerous propaganda. It’s time our security agencies begin to treat it as a serious national threat.”

His remarks reflect a growing concern among leadership circles about the power of digital platforms to influence public opinion, polarize communities, and mobilize unrest. Nigeria, like many other countries, has witnessed the viral spread of misinformation through platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp, especially during elections, protests, or civil unrest.

During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, social media played a central role in organizing demonstrations, sharing real-time updates, and amplifying voices that traditional media sometimes overlooked. While this digital mobilization was praised by activists as a triumph of youth power, many in the establishment saw it as a destabilizing force that threatened national security.

Security analysts suggest that the Sultan’s comments—though strong—may reflect a wider push by the political and traditional elite to pressure the government into introducing stricter regulations on digital communication.

“We cannot ignore the weight of the Sultan’s voice,” said political analyst Hauwa Bello. “When someone of his stature uses the term ‘terrorist organisation’ in reference to social media, it is both a call to action and a warning. The question is: how do we strike the balance between protecting society from harmful content and preserving freedom of expression?”

Digital rights activists have already begun pushing back, warning against blanket crackdowns that could suppress dissent and shrink civic space. The use of language like "terrorist organisation," they argue, could set a dangerous precedent if interpreted literally by law enforcement.

Still, the Sultan remains unapologetic in his stance. He insists that unless the government and its security agencies begin to act swiftly, the digital space will continue to operate unchecked, threatening not only cultural values but also national peace.

"We cannot wait until it is too late. The harm is already being done. We must take control," he said.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its digital age, the Sultan’s call for a tough stance on social media has added new urgency—and controversy—to the conversation on how best to govern online discourse in a democratic society.

Whether his comments will inspire a legislative or security-based response remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over social media’s role in Nigeria is far from over. 

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