The Federal Government has increased its offensive against the digital footprints of criminal groups, revealing on Tuesday, December 23, that it has successfully identified and deleted numerous social media accounts used by bandits and terrorists.
Maj., Gen. Adamu Laka, Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), stated that platforms once used to showcase looted items and live-stream criminal conversations are being systematically shut down.
This measures is aimed towards addressing the growing trend where non-state actors utilize social media platforms to recruit, publicize operations, and demand ransoms.
For years, notorious figures like Bello Turji, have used social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook to intimidate communities. These groups often displayed stacks of cash from ransoms and also showcased their heavy weaponry to attract recruits.
There was a time when bandits would go on TikTok showing their loot. We took those accounts down, you don’t see that again. They were even doing live-streams… but we’ve been able to handle all that – Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, DG of the NCTC
Security agencies are working directly with TikTok, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Snapchat, and X to identify unverified accounts used by terror cells.
A major breakthrough involves tracking Point-of-Sale (POS) operators. Criminals often use POS terminals to receive ransom transfers and withdraw cash, making it harder to trace than traditional bank transfers.
The NCTC has announced it will up its game in 2026 by implementing the newly unveiled NCTC Strategic Plan 2025-2030. This plan prioritizes the use of AI and advanced network mapping to predict and block terror financing before it reaches the POS level. Citizens are urged to report any social media handles they suspect are being used to glorify banditry or solicit funds for criminal groups.
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