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The central government has revealed that Nigerian security forces are collaborating with leading social media platforms to locate and remove accounts utilized by extremist and criminal organizations to advance their agendas and collect money.

At an annual closing meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stated that websites like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X have been utilized by extremists to promote their activities, showcase stolen goods, and connect with followers.

He stated that intelligence agencies have conducted multiple discussions with social media firms to tackle content and profiles that present risks to national security.

The matter of terrorist organizations utilizing social media platforms—imagine the number of accounts we have removed. We have held multiple discussions with these platforms, including: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X.

They are companies aiming to increase their subscriber base, but we interact with them, clarify the impact of specific posts on national security, and remove them.

“There was a period when bandits used TikTok to display their stolen goods. We removed those accounts—you no longer see that. At one point, they were conducting live streams and engaging in discussions, but we have managed to deal with all of it,” he said.

He observed that terrorist methods keep changing, such as the utilization of false identities and unauthorized profiles, while mentioning that intelligence organizations are consistently adjusting to deal with these advancements.

Laka also mentioned that ransom payments continue to serve as a significant channel for funding terrorism, with point-of-sale operators being more frequently used to transfer money.

He stated that in numerous instances, ransom money is sent to accounts held by POS operators, who subsequently provide the funds to the kidnappers, complicating the tracking process.

“You witness a transaction initiated by terrorists, and upon examining the account, it is linked to a point-of-sale operator. The kidnappers provide the POS operator’s number, the funds are transferred, and they then go to retrieve the money,” he explained.

The head of counter-terrorism stated that security organizations have increased their efforts to monitor ransom payments, apprehend individuals involved, and dismantle terror funding networks, while emphasizing that specific operational details cannot be disclosed for security purposes.

He disclosed that multiple arrests and legal actions had taken place related to ransom payments and funding terrorism, noting that recovery and seizure of assets are part of Nigeria’s adherence to global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

Laka mentioned that the nation’s recent advancements in fulfilling the standards set by the Financial Action Task Force were partially attributed to collaborative inquiries conducted by a joint committee comprising security organizations, financial intelligence bodies, and the judicial system.

Despite recognizing the difficulties created by changing terrorist methods and weak borders in the Sahel, he pledged to Nigerians that security organizations would keep enhancing both tangible and online anti-terrorism measures.

He stated, “By the end of 2023, the security conditions in Nigeria were showing signs of improvement. However, following the coups in several Sahel nations, the situation deteriorated as these militant groups maintain links throughout the region.”

Nigeria must take a leading position in West Africa and the Sahel to tackle these dangers. As long as these nations encounter such issues, Nigeria will also be affected. We are making every effort, and we won’t stop. By 2026, we plan to enhance our efforts.

Criminal organizations are increasingly utilizing social media platforms to disseminate propaganda, display illegal actions, and maintain communication among their members.

The deletion of these accounts comes after ongoing demands for platforms that host material promoting or endorsing such actions to remove them.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).