by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Federal Government has revealed that Nigerian security agencies are collaborating with major social media companies to identify and remove accounts used by terrorists and criminals to promote their activities and raise funds.
Speaking at an end-of-year briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X had been exploited by terrorist groups to publicize operations, showcase looted items, and communicate with supporters.
He explained that security agencies have held multiple engagements with social media firms to address accounts and posts posing national security threats. “There was a time when bandits would go on TikTok showing their loot. We took those accounts down—you don’t see that again. At some point, they were even doing live streams and holding conversations, but we’ve been able to handle all that,” Laka said.
He added that terrorists continue to evolve their tactics, often using aliases and unverified accounts, and security agencies are constantly adapting to counter these strategies.
Ransom payments, Laka noted, remain a major source of funding for terrorism, with point-of-sale (POS) operators frequently used to transfer funds. “You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a POS operator. The kidnappers give out the POS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he explained.
He emphasized that efforts to track ransom payments, apprehend suspects, and disrupt terror financing networks have been intensified, although operational details are kept confidential for security reasons. Several arrests and prosecutions related to terrorism financing have already been carried out, alongside asset recoveries and seizures in line with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.
Laka also highlighted Nigeria’s progress in meeting the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force, attributing it to coordinated investigations by a joint committee of security agencies, financial intelligence units, and the judiciary.
Acknowledging challenges posed by evolving terror tactics and porous borders in the Sahel region, he assured Nigerians that both physical and digital counter-terrorism efforts would be strengthened. “Towards the end of 2023, the security situation in Nigeria was improving. But after the coups in some Sahel countries, the situation worsened because these terrorist groups have connections across the region. Nigeria has to play a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to address these threats. We are doing our best, and we will not relent. In 2026, we are going to up our game,” he said.
The statement underscores the growing use of social media by criminal networks to spread propaganda, communicate, and display illicit activities, highlighting the importance of collaboration between security agencies and digital platforms to safeguard national security.