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FG orders takedown of terrorists’ social media accounts
FG Partners Social Media Giants to Takedown Terrorist and Criminal Accounts
The Federal Government has revealed that Nigerian security agencies are actively collaborating with major social media companies to identify, track, and dismantle online accounts being used by terrorist and criminal groups to promote violence, display looted items, communicate with supporters, and raise funds.
This disclosure was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, during an end-of-year security briefing, where he highlighted the growing digital dimension of terrorism and organised crime in Nigeria.
Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny
According to Laka, several popular platforms—including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X—have been exploited by terrorist groups to publicise their operations and spread propaganda. He noted that security agencies have held multiple engagements with these tech companies to address content that poses serious threats to national security.
He disclosed that numerous terror-linked accounts have already been identified and taken down, significantly reducing the online visibility of criminal groups who once openly flaunted their activities on social media platforms.
Clampdown on Online Terror Propaganda
Laka explained that at a point, bandits and terrorists were livestreaming operations and displaying stolen items on social media, especially on TikTok, but sustained collaboration with platform operators has curtailed such activities.
He noted that while these platforms are businesses focused on growing subscribers, government agencies consistently engage them to explain the real-world consequences of such content on public safety and national stability, leading to swift takedowns of harmful accounts.
Evolving Tactics of Terror Groups
Despite these efforts, the counter-terrorism chief acknowledged that terrorist groups continually adapt by using aliases, fake identities, and unverified accounts to evade detection, stressing that security agencies are also evolving their strategies to stay ahead.
He assured Nigerians that both physical and digital counter-terrorism measures are being strengthened to respond effectively to these emerging threats.
Ransom Payments and POS Operators Exposed
Laka revealed that ransom payments remain a major source of terror financing, with Point-of-Sale (POS) operators increasingly being exploited as intermediaries to move illicit funds.
He explained that kidnappers often provide POS account details to victims’ families, making it harder for authorities to trace transactions once the money is withdrawn in cash and handed over to criminal groups.
Security Agencies Intensify Financial Tracking
The NCTC boss said Nigerian security agencies have intensified efforts to track ransom payments, arrest collaborators, and disrupt terror financing networks, although operational specifics remain classified for security reasons.
He confirmed that several arrests, prosecutions, asset recoveries, and seizures have already been carried out, aligning Nigeria with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.
Nigeria’s Global Compliance and Regional Challenges
Laka added that 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 porous borders and instability in the Sahel region following recent coups, he assured Nigerians that the country remains committed to playing a leadership role in West Africa to curb cross-border terrorism.
FG Promises Stronger Action in 2026
He noted that although security conditions improved towards the end of 2023, regional instability worsened the situation, adding that Nigeria is determined to intensify its counter-terrorism efforts moving forward.
According to him, security agencies are poised to significantly upscale operations in 2026, reinforcing both digital surveillance and on-ground intelligence to dismantle terror networks across the country.
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