iDeemlawfulThe Federal Government has disclosed that Nigerian security agencies are collaborating with leading social media platforms to track and remove accounts used by terrorist and criminal networks to publicise their activities and generate funds.
Addressing journalists at an end-of-year briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the 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 terrorists to broadcast operations, display stolen items and communicate with sympathisers.
He explained that security agencies have held multiple engagements with social media companies to tackle content and accounts deemed threats to national security.
“The issue of social media platforms used by terrorist groups—if you knew how many accounts we took down. We have had several meetings with these social media platforms like: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X.
“They are businesses looking to grow their subscribers, but we engage them, explain the effects of certain posts on national security, and we take them down.
“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,” he said.
The counter-terrorism chief noted that extremist groups continually change their strategies, including operating under aliases and unverified profiles, stressing that security agencies are consistently adjusting to counter these tactics.
Laka also identified ransom payments as a significant funding source for terrorism, noting that point-of-sale operators are increasingly being used to channel such funds.
He said investigations often reveal that ransom transfers are made into POS operators’ accounts, after which the cash is withdrawn and handed over to kidnappers, complicating tracking efforts.
“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 said.
He added that security agencies have stepped up efforts to monitor ransom transactions, arrest collaborators and dismantle terror-financing networks, while noting that sensitive operational details could not be disclosed.
According to him, numerous arrests and prosecutions have been made over ransom payments and terrorism financing, with asset seizures and recoveries contributing to Nigeria’s compliance with global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.
Laka said Nigeria’s recent progress in meeting Financial Action Task Force requirements was driven partly by joint investigations involving security agencies, financial intelligence bodies and the judiciary.
While admitting that evolving terror methods and porous Sahel borders remain major challenges, he assured Nigerians that authorities would continue strengthening both physical and digital counter-terrorism measures.
He said, “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.
“So Nigeria has to play a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to address these threats. As long as those countries continue to face these challenges, Nigeria will also face them. We are doing our best, and we will not relent. In 2026, we are going to up our game.”
Bandits have become notorious for using social media platforms to flaunt proceeds from kidnappings, at times livestreaming their activities to thousands of followers.
Social media has increasingly been exploited by criminal groups to disseminate propaganda, showcase illegal operations and maintain internal communication networks.