FG Working With Social Media Companies to Block Terrorists’ Accounts
By Hajara Abdullahi
The Federal Government has revealed that security agencies are collaborating with social media platform owners to identify and block accounts operated by terrorists used to promote their activities.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, during an end-of-year meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
He explained that platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X are being exploited by terrorists to publicize their operations, display looted items, instill fear in the public, and recruit members.
Laka added that security agencies are working closely with these companies to remove such accounts in a bid to strengthen national security.
“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 lamented that terrorists had previously revealed themselves through live streams on social media. “There was a time when bandits would go on TikTok showing their loot. We took those accounts down—you don’t see that again,” he added.
General Laka also highlighted how terrorists use Point of Sale (POS) operators to facilitate ransom payments, making it difficult for authorities to trace transactions.
“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.
He further noted that porous borders in the Sahel region pose a major challenge to Nigeria’s security, especially following recent coups and worsening regional instability.
“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,” he said.
Laka assured Nigerians that security agencies will not relent in their efforts to ensure safety through both physical and counter-terrorism operations, emphasizing that Nigeria must play a crucial role in maintaining security across West Africa and the Sahel region.
