The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has described social media as a “terrorist organisation” that poses a significant threat to national security, calling on security agencies to take decisive action to curb its misuse. The revered traditional and religious leader made the statement on Wednesday during a public event in Sokoto, sparking widespread reactions across the country.
Speaking at the gathering, the Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed concern over the growing influence of social media platforms, which he accused of fueling division, spreading misinformation, and inciting unrest. “Social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media,” he declared, according to posts circulating on X.
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The monarch highlighted how unregulated online platforms have become tools for propagating hate speech, fake news, and extremist ideologies, which he said undermine peace and unity in Nigeria. He urged security operatives to adopt stringent measures to monitor and regulate social media activities to prevent further escalation of its negative impacts.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the role of social media in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. In recent years, platforms like X, Facebook, and WhatsApp have been criticized for amplifying divisive narratives and enabling the spread of unverified information, particularly during elections and periods of crisis.
Reacting to the Sultan’s statement, some Nigerians expressed support for his call, citing the need to address the dangers of misinformation. “The Sultan is right. Social media has caused more harm than good in this country. It’s time to regulate it properly,” said Mallam Yusuf Ibrahim, a trader in Sokoto.
However, others cautioned against broad generalizations, arguing that social media remains a vital tool for communication, education, and advocacy. “Calling social media a terrorist organisation is too extreme. It’s not the platform that’s the problem, but how people use it,” said Chioma Nwankwo, a Lagos-based digital marketer.
The Sultan’s comments also reignited discussions about previous attempts by the Nigerian government to regulate social media. In 2021, the federal government briefly suspended Twitter (now X) operations in Nigeria, citing concerns over its alleged use to promote secessionist agendas. The Sultan had, at the time, advocated for regulation rather than an outright ban, a stance he reiterated in his latest statement.
Security experts have noted that tackling the challenges posed by social media requires a delicate balance between safeguarding free speech and curbing harmful content. “The Sultan’s call is a wake-up call, but any action must be guided by clear policies to avoid stifling legitimate voices,” said Dr. Aminu Bello, a security analyst.
The federal government has yet to respond officially to the Sultan’s remarks. However, sources within the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy hinted that the government is exploring new frameworks to address the challenges of social media misuse while promoting responsible usage.
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