According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima has finally broken the silence about the circumstances behind a viral photograph showing him dining with a group of Fulani people.
Shettima addressed the matter during the 2025 International Press Institute Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.
Vice President Shettima explained that the image had been misrepresented online by groups attempting to link him with bandits and Boko Haram.
He emphasized that the photograph was taken in a peaceful setting and did not reflect any support for criminal activities.
Shettima described the circulation of the image as part of a broader attempt to mislead the public about his engagement with communities in northern Nigeria.
During his speech, Shettima highlighted the historical context involving the Fulani people in areas affected by Boko Haram.
He said that when Boko Haram moved to the Sambisa forest, the Fulani were initially allowed to graze their livestock in the region, this arrangement continued until the insurgents became aware that some Fulani individuals were sharing information on Boko Haram movements with the Nigerian military, as a result, Boko Haram drove the Fulani away and confiscated their livestock.
Vice President Shettima further clarified that his interaction with the Fulani community was part of a broader effort to understand local challenges and address the grievances of affected groups.
He noted that engaging with community members is essential for preventing violence and fostering cooperation with security agencies.
Shettima insisted that the photograph represented a legitimate community engagement rather than an endorsement of any criminal organization.
Shettima also stressed the importance of accurate reporting and responsible media practices.
He urged journalists and social media users to verify information before sharing content that could misrepresent public figures or escalate tensions.
According to him, misinformation not only affects reputations but can also undermine national security and trust between communities and government authorities.
The Vice President used the event to outline the government’s broader strategy for managing security challenges in northern Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima concluded his address by reiterating that the viral photograph should be seen in the proper context.
He emphasized that interactions with community members are part of standard governance practices aimed at understanding local realities.
Shettima called for careful evaluation of online content to prevent misinterpretation and ensure that public discourse remains grounded in verified facts.
He said, “When Boko Haram moved to the sambisa forest, they allowed the Fulani to graze their livestock until war trickled down to them, that the Fulani were revealing information on the movements of the Boko Haram to the Nigerian military. So they drove them away, confiscated all their livestock. View, More,
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