The Federal Government has intensified efforts to shut down social media accounts being used by terrorists and criminal networks operating in Nigeria.
Security agencies are now working directly with major social media companies to identify, track, and remove accounts linked to terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities that threaten national security.
The Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known on Tuesday during an end-of-year security briefing held in Abuja.
He explained that platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X have increasingly been used by terrorist groups to spread propaganda, showcase stolen items, communicate with supporters, and raise funds.
According to him, the government has engaged repeatedly with these digital platforms to ensure harmful content and accounts linked to terror activities are taken down swiftly.
“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.
Laka noted that terrorist groups continue to adjust their methods by opening accounts under false identities, aliases, and unverified profiles. He said security agencies are constantly reviewing their digital strategies to stay ahead of these evolving tactics.
Beyond online activities, the counter-terrorism chief identified ransom payments as a major funding source for terrorist operations across the country.
He revealed that many kidnappers now rely on point-of-sale (POS) operators to move ransom money, making it harder for authorities to trace the 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 said.
Laka disclosed that security agencies have increased surveillance around ransom payments and financial transactions linked to terrorism. He added that arrests have been made and prosecutions are ongoing, although operational details remain classified for security reasons.
He also said assets connected to terror financing have been recovered and seized, contributing to Nigeria’s recent progress in meeting international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
According to him, Nigeria’s improved standing with the Financial Action Task Force was achieved through coordinated investigations involving security agencies, financial intelligence units, and the judiciary.
While acknowledging the impact of instability in the Sahel region, Laka said terrorist networks across borders have worsened Nigeria’s security challenges.
He stated that coups and weak governance in some neighboring countries have created safe havens for terrorist groups, forcing Nigeria to take a leadership role in regional security efforts.
“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.”
He assured Nigerians that both physical security operations and digital counter-terrorism measures will continue to be strengthened nationwide.