The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, has blamed misuse of social media for heightened tensions leading to violence across the country, especially in crises-prone areas in Kaduna, Benue, Zamfara and Plateau states.
He said on Thursday that fake news, hate speech and incitement through social media was being used by enemies of the country to foment trouble.
Monguno also said that the Federal Government has banned unauthorised acquisition of firearms, drones and some specialised broadcast equipment.
He made this known during the General Security Appraisal Committee meeting at the Office of NSA, Abuja.
In attendance at the meeting were Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (CDI), Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman, and representatives of other security agencies.
Monguno said, “The Federal Government is concerned that social media and other communication platforms are now used to exacerbate tension through rumour, hate speech and incitement.
“Nigerians are reminded that all laws and regulations against hate speech and incitement will be fully enforced to ensure peace, security and freedom for all Nigerians wherever they chose to live.
“In a bid to address these spates of civil disturbances, heads of security agencies have reviewed the internal security situation and resolved to take all necessary measures within the law to curb this violence.”
Monguno added, “Members of the public are sternly warned against illicit acquisition of controlled items such as firearms, remotely piloted aircraft (drones) and broadcast equipment, among others.
“Accordingly, those with such illegally acquired controlled items are, hereby, advised to voluntarily surrender them to the appropriate security agencies.”
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