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Insecurity: Social Media Has Compounded Security Challenges In Nigeria – Ex-Senate Leader, Folarin
Chairman, Senate Committee on local content, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin has called for the decentralisation of the security architecture in the country.
Folarin noted that this was necessary in order to put an end to the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, armed robberies and other criminal activities in the country.
Folarin, who represents Oyo Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, made disclosure while delivering the 2021 alumni lecture of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Oyo State branch on Friday.
Present at the lecture entitled “The challenges of governance and security in Nigeria” were a member of House of Representatives, Akin Alabi, former President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adebayo Oyero, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke and Chief Lowo Obisesan among others.
DAILY POST reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker studied political science at the institution.
The former Senate leader, who admitted that the statistics of insecurity was rising in geometric proportions, advised the present administration to decentralise the security architecture in the country so as to effectively police the country.
He added that continuous deteriorating security situation had affected the socio-economic and political development of the country.
He maintained that there was no way security agents can effectively tackle the security challenges in the country if the security architecture was not decentralised.
Folarin insisted that it will be difficult for a police officer from Awka in Anambra State to effectively police Oja Igbo area of Ibadan because he does not know the terrain.
He spoke further by saying that the social media had compounded security challenges in the country, though it has an advantage of quick and wide dissemination of information.
“Perhaps we should give more thought to the need to decentralise the security architecture of the country.
“It is very clear that the statistics of insecurity is rising in great and geometric proportions. We are all witnessing the negative effects of insecurity in the land.
“These include incidents and cases of kidnapping, armed robberies, violence and other acts of insurrection.
“There is no way a police officer from Awka in Ananbra can come to Oja Igbo in Ibadan and effectively police the area. He does not know the terrain. So, there is a need to decentralise the security architecture in the country.
“We must emphasize the fact that the social media has compounded the challenges of security and governance in the country. What do I mean?
“The new media has the advantage of quick and wide disemination of information, but the new media is also notorious for the spread of half-truths and fake news which can pose greater in the mind nation,” he said.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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