NCTC Partners with Social Media Firms to Tackle Terrorist Accounts — DG Adamu Laka
Abuja — The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is working closely with social media companies to identify and remove accounts linked to terrorist and criminal groups, Director-General Adamu Laka announced at an end-of-year briefing on Tuesday.
“He noted that terrorists have exploited social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X to publicize their operations, showcase looted items, and communicate with supporters.
Terrorist groups are exploiting social media platforms, but we’ve been proactive. If you knew how many accounts we’ve taken down! We’ve held multiple meetings with platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X to address this issue,” he said.
These are businesses aiming to grow their followers, but we engage with them, explaining how certain posts can impact national security, and we take action to remove harmful content.
There was a time when bandits would showcase their loot on TikTok. We took down those accounts, and such activity has largely stopped. At one point, they even livestreamed and held conversations online, but we’ve successfully managed all of that.”
Terrorists Exploit POS Operators to Collect Ransom, Says NCTC
Adamu Laka, director-general of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has revealed that terrorist tactics are constantly evolving.
He explained that kidnappers are now using point-of-sale (POS) operators to receive ransom payments. “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,” Laka said.
NCTC Steps Up Efforts to Track Ransom, Cites Sahel Coups as Security Challenge
Adamu Laka, director-general of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), said security agencies have intensified efforts to track ransom payments, apprehend those involved, and disrupt terror financing networks.
He noted, however, that regional instability poses challenges. “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,” Laka explained.
Nigeria must take a leading role in West Africa and the Sahel to tackle these threats, as instability in those regions directly affects the country.