We’re deleting terrorists’ social media accounts — FG
The Federal Government has revealed that Nigerian security agencies are collaborating with major social media companies to identify and dismantle online accounts operated by terrorist and criminal groups.
The Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known on Tuesday during an end-of-year briefing in Abuja. He disclosed that platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X have been exploited by terrorists to publicise attacks, display stolen items, raise funds and communicate with supporters.
According to Laka, security agencies have held a series of engagements with the affected social media firms to address posts and accounts that threaten national security.
“These platforms are businesses seeking to grow their subscriber base, but we engage them and explain the national security implications of certain content, and such accounts are taken down,” he said.
He noted that at a point, bandits openly showcased looted items on TikTok and even conducted live streams to interact with followers, but sustained interventions by security agencies led to the removal of those accounts.
Laka added that terrorist groups have continued to adapt by using aliases and unverified accounts, stressing that security agencies are equally evolving their strategies to counter such tactics in the digital space.
On terror financing, he said ransom payments remain a major source of funding for criminal groups, with point-of-sale (POS) operators increasingly used as intermediaries to move funds.
“In many cases, ransom payments are transferred into accounts belonging to POS operators. The kidnappers provide the POS number, the money is sent there, and they go to collect the cash, making tracking more difficult,” he explained.
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The counter-terrorism chief said security agencies have intensified efforts to trace ransom payments, arrest collaborators and disrupt terror financing networks, although specific operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons.
He revealed that several arrests, prosecutions, asset recoveries and seizures had already been carried out, noting that these actions form part of Nigeria’s compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.
Laka said Nigeria’s recent progress in meeting the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was driven by coordinated investigations involving security agencies, financial intelligence units and the judiciary.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by evolving terror tactics and instability in the Sahel region, he assured Nigerians that both physical and digital counter-terrorism efforts would continue to be strengthened.
“After the coups in some Sahel countries, the security situation worsened because these terrorist groups have regional links. Nigeria must play a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel. We are doing our best, and we will not relent. By 2026, we will step up our efforts,” he said.
Social media platforms have increasingly been used by criminal networks to spread propaganda, showcase illicit activities and coordinate operations, prompting repeated calls for the swift removal of accounts that promote or support such activities.
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