The Nigerian government has disclosed that it is working with major social media platforms to identify and shut down accounts linked to terrorist groups and criminal gangs, which have been used to publicize attacks, display stolen goods, and raise funds.

Collaboration with Social Media Giants

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the Director-General of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), revealed this development during an end-of-year briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He explained that social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) have increasingly been exploited by terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.

Laka confirmed that Nigerian security agencies have held multiple engagements with these platforms to ensure that content and accounts threatening national security are swiftly removed. He highlighted that while social media companies are focused on expanding their user bases, they also collaborate with government agencies to tackle content that incites violence or terrorism.

Success in Tackling Terrorist Content

Laka noted that terrorist groups previously used platforms like TikTok to display looted items and even livestream their activities. However, these practices have largely been curtailed. “We took those accounts down. You don’t see that again,” Laka stated, adding that at one point, bandits were live-streaming their activities and holding online conversations, but this has been successfully addressed.

While the counter-terrorism chief acknowledged that terrorist groups are constantly adapting, including operating under fake identities and unverified accounts, he assured that security agencies continue to evolve their countermeasures to stay ahead.

Terrorist Financing Through POS Operators

In addition to online propaganda, Laka also revealed that ransom payments are a significant source of funding for terrorist groups. He explained that kidnappers are increasingly using Point-of-Sale (POS) operators to move ransom money, making it difficult for authorities to trace the transactions. Kidnappers provide their victims’ families with POS account details, and the funds are transferred to these accounts. The POS operators then collect the cash, creating a layer of anonymity for the criminals.

Laka assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to track these ransom payments, arrest those involved, and dismantle terrorist financing networks. However, he declined to reveal specific operational details for security reasons. He mentioned that several arrests and prosecutions had already been made in connection with terrorism financing, and asset recoveries were part of Nigeria’s commitment to international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism standards.

Strengthened Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Laka also highlighted Nigeria’s recent success in working with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), noting that coordinated investigations between security agencies, financial intelligence units, and the judiciary have strengthened Nigeria’s efforts to combat terror financing.

Despite these successes, Laka acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by evolving terrorist tactics and the porous borders in the Sahel region. He pointed out that the security situation in Nigeria had improved by the end of 2023, but the instability caused by recent coups in neighboring Sahel countries has worsened the situation due to the cross-border activities of terrorist groups.

Leadership Role in West Africa and the Sahel

Looking ahead, Laka emphasized that Nigeria must continue to play a leading role in addressing security threats in West Africa and the Sahel. He stressed that regional instability remains a significant concern and poses a persistent challenge to Nigeria’s national security.