By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Federal Government is now tracking terrorists through the social media.
The authorities acknowledged on Sunday that it is combing the social to track terrorist groups particularly on platforms like TikTok.
In a bold response, the government has challenged terrorist factions in the country, urging them to confront security forces in direct combat.
Terrorists have been increasingly showcasing their operations on social media, with many videos circulating on TikTok. In these clips, they are often seen flaunting weapons and large amounts of cash.
On Thursday, a suspected terrorist with 7,893 followers and 27,700 likes on TikTok posted several videos from a forest location, where he was filmed arranging bundles of N1,000 and N500 notes on a mat.
Earlier this year, another terrorist gained attention with a strange viral video on TikTok, in which he urged Nigerians to share their bank account details. The request was supposedly to reward those who supported their leader, Mohammed Bello Turji Kachalla, during protests over the country’s economic struggles.
The Defence Headquarters has also expressed concern about the growing use of social media by groups like Lakurawa, who are utilizing these platforms for both propaganda and recruitment.
Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre at the Office of the National Security Adviser, told our correspondent in an interview on Saturday that the government was actively addressing the trend.
“Yes, we have noticed it and are taking actions against such trends,” Laka said when asked about terrorists’ increasing presence on social media.
Laka dismissed recent threats from terrorist groups, labeling them as mere propaganda designed to instill fear among Nigerians. He urged citizens to remain calm and ignore these threats.
“These threats are part of their propaganda to create fear among the population. Nigerians should disregard them,” he emphasized.
The counter-terrorism chief also called terrorists operating in the country “cowards,” daring them to face security forces in direct combat if they truly possessed the courage and resources they claimed.
“If the terrorists are that bold and equipped, let them inform the security agencies where they are and invite them to a fight. But the truth is they are cowards,” Laka said.