FG partners social media giants to tackle terrorist, criminal accounts

The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigerian security agencies are working closely with major social media companies to identify and shut down accounts being used by terrorist and criminal groups across the country.

Speaking at an end-of-year security briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X have been exploited by terrorists to publicise their activities, showcase looted items and communicate with supporters.

According to Laka, security agencies have held several engagements with the technology companies to address the growing misuse of their platforms. “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,” he said.

He explained that while the platforms are businesses seeking to grow their user base, the government regularly engages them on the national security implications of certain content. “We explain the effects of some posts on national security, and we take them down,” Laka added.

The NCTC boss also revealed that ransom payments remain a major source of terrorist financing, with point-of-sale (POS) operators frequently used as intermediaries. He said investigations often trace ransom transfers to POS operators’ accounts. “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.

Laka noted that security agencies have intensified efforts to track such financial flows, disrupt terror financing networks and prosecute those involved, while maintaining operational confidentiality.

On regional security, the NCTC director-general said Nigeria’s security situation showed signs of improvement towards the end of 2023, but deteriorated following military coups in parts of the Sahel. He attributed this to cross-border links among terrorist groups operating in the region.

“These groups have connections across the region, so Nigeria has to play a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to address these threats,” Laka said. He warned that as long as insecurity persists in neighbouring countries, Nigeria would continue to feel the impact.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to combating terrorism, Laka said security agencies are strengthening their strategies and capacities. “We are doing our best, and we will not relent. In 2026, we are going to up our game,” he said.