In criticism of what he terms ‘publicity’ given to criminals and terrorists through the social media, Chief of Army staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called on Nigerians to stop glorifying such groups, noting that such acts help to boost the image of criminal gangs and enables them assume larger than life status.
In a statement issued by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa on Friday in Abuja, Buratai was said to have made the plea while visiting troops in the North East.
According to him, it is wrong for any person to eulogise or support murderers, bandits and armed robbers, which he posits that the Boko Haram terrorist group has become. The army chief said that giving publicity or support to criminal gangs on social media would amount to encouraging criminality, including terrorism.
Buratai said that it is also important to note that the sole purpose of these criminal gangs is personal gains, adding that “it is common knowledge that the criminals no longer pretend to be championing any cause other than quest for materialism as manifested in murder and terror on hapless people.”
He pleaded that as peace loving people, Nigerians should not glorify criminals by calling them by any name other than “criminals,” “rapists,” “kidnappers”, “armed robbers” and “murderers.”
“Unfortunately, many Nigerians are not aware that giving prominence to the criminal activities of the terrorists group through sensational headlines and fake news in both electronic and print media could also amount to tacit support to terrorism which violates the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011.”
Buratai further noted that it is important for Nigerians to rally round the gallant troops as they fight these criminals in the country, as their support to the efforts would boost their morale would be highly appreciated.
“All troops have been enjoined to henceforth go all out to deal decisively with these criminals. They are nothing but bandits and armed robbers. Let’s support our military to ensure a secured Nigeria,”Buratai said.
Abeeb Alawiye formerly works with The ICIR as a Reporter/Social Media officer. Now work as a Senior Journalist with BBC News Yoruba. You can shoot him an email via [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @habsonfloww