Abdulsalami Abubakar Demands Nigerian Unity Against Terror — 'It Is the Only Country We Have'

June 23, 2026 3 min read

General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, Nigeria's former Head of State, has issued a direct appeal to all Nigerians to set aside their differences and unite against the threat of terrorism. The retired general delivered his message on Tuesday, telling citizens that national survival depends on collective action rather than division.

Call for National Unity

General Abdulsalami Abubakar made his position clear during a public address that drew attention across the country. "Nigeria is the only country we have," he stated, according to reports from the event. "Let us unite to defeat terror." The former military leader urged citizens to view the fight against insurgency as a shared responsibility that transcends political, ethnic, and regional boundaries.

The statement comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges in multiple regions. Abubakar's intervention signals concern among senior figures that internal divisions may be weakening the nation's response to armed groups operating in various parts of the country.

Context of Security Challenges

Nigeria has faced sustained pressure from terrorist organisations, particularly in the northeastern states where the insurgency began over a decade ago. While military operations have retaken territory previously held by militants, security analysts note that the threat has evolved, with armed groups adapting their tactics and expanding their areas of operation.

General Abubakar ruled Nigeria from 1998 to 1999, overseeing the transition to democratic governance. His stature as a national figure who guided the country through its most recent political transformation gives his statements particular weight among both the public and political leaders.

Regional Security Dynamics

The security situation varies considerably across Nigeria's 36 states. The northeast has borne the heaviest burden, with communities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states experiencing repeated attacks. However, banditry and kidnapping have become serious problems in northwestern states, while separatist violence has flared intermittently in the southeast.

Citizens in affected areas have repeatedly called for more coordinated responses and better protection from security agencies. The challenge of addressing multiple threats simultaneously has strained resources and prompted debates about strategy and resource allocation.

Political Significance of the Appeal

Abubakar's intervention enters a charged political environment. Nigeria is preparing for upcoming elections that will test the cohesion of its democratic institutions. Some observers have expressed concern that political competition could sharpen divisions at a moment when unity is needed most.

The former head of state has long positioned himself as a figure above partisan politics, frequently offering counsel during periods of national tension. His willingness to speak publicly on security matters suggests he believes the situation warrants intervention beyond quiet diplomacy.

Public Response and Expectations

Reactions to Abubakar's statement have been mixed. Supporters welcomed the former leader's directness and his framing of terrorism as an existential threat requiring national consensus. Critics, however, argue that calls for unity must be matched by concrete government action to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and perceived marginalisation.

Civil society organisations have noted that meaningful unity requires trust between the government and the governed. Community leaders in several regions have called for greater transparency about security operations and more inclusive approaches to addressing local grievances that armed groups exploit for recruitment.

What Comes Next

The government's response to Abubakar's appeal will be closely watched. Security agencies are expected to continue their operations against armed groups, but the question of whether the former leader's call will translate into broader public mobilisation remains open.

Nigerians should watch for any follow-up statements from the presidency or security officials in the coming days. The effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts often depends on public cooperation with security forces, and sustained messaging about national unity may shape community attitudes toward sharing intelligence and supporting local defence initiatives.