A security consultant, Kabiru Adamu, has warned that many young Nigerians expressing support for recent coups in Africa do not understand the realities of military rule.
Adamu gave the warning on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST.
According to him, Nigerians under 30 had not experienced a military dictatorship and may have a wrong impression about the wave of coups across the continent.
“For anyone below 30 years old, they may not have experienced that.
“There’s nothing at the moment telling me that the Gen Z in Nigeria understands the consequences of a military dictatorship, because I see them supporting the dictatorship that is taking place in Burkina Faso, in Mali. They see those military juntas as heroes,” he said.
The security expert said the agitation partly stemmed from narratives amplified on social media, which governments must monitor more deliberately.
Adamu noted that governments worldwide, including Nigeria, should be concerned about the conversations shaping public sentiment.
He said disinformation campaigns were glorifying coup leaders online, creating a dangerous influence among young Nigerians.
“The other consequence not always spoken about is what happens on social media. All of a sudden, you see disinformation and misinformation portraying these military leaders as superheroes.
“They then gain followership within countries where democracy still thrives, unfortunately, including Nigeria. So yes, it is disturbing,” Adamu added.