FG Raises Alarm Over Terrorists’ Use of PoS and Social Media to Fund and Promote Attacks
The Federal Government has raised fresh concerns over the evolving tactics employed by terrorists in Nigeria, warning that criminal groups are increasingly exploiting Point of Sale (PoS) operators and social media platforms to finance, coordinate, and promote their activities.
Speaking during the 2025 end-of-the-year press briefing at the headquarters of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director-General of the Centre, Major-General Adamu Laka, disclosed that security agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle terror financing networks, particularly those linked to ransom payments.
According to Akahi News, the senior military officer revealed that terrorists have devised sophisticated methods to evade detection, making financial tracking more complex for law enforcement agencies.
Ransom Payments and the Growing Abuse of PoS Operators
Major-General Laka lamented that ransom payments remain a major source of funding for terrorist operations, with PoS operators increasingly being used as intermediaries to move illicit funds.
He explained that in many kidnapping cases, ransom payments are transferred directly into bank accounts belonging to PoS operators, who then disburse the cash to kidnappers, thereby complicating efforts to trace the money trail.
“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.
Akahi News gathered that this method has enabled criminal networks to bypass traditional banking scrutiny while exploiting the widespread presence of PoS businesses across the country.
Security Agencies Intensify Tracking and Arrests
According to the NCTC boss, Nigerian security agencies have stepped up efforts to track ransom payments, identify collaborators, and disrupt terror financing channels, although he noted that specific operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons.
Laka confirmed that several arrests and prosecutions have already been made in connection with terrorism financing and ransom-related transactions. He added that asset recoveries and seizures remain a key component of Nigeria’s commitment to international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.
Akahi News learnt that these measures form part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with global security frameworks and to reassure international partners of the country’s resolve to combat terrorism.
Terrorists’ Use of Social Media Platforms
Beyond financial channels, the Federal Government also raised alarm over the increasing use of social media by terrorists to publicise their operations, display looted items, spread propaganda, and communicate with supporters.
Major-General Laka listed platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X as some of the digital spaces being exploited by terrorist groups.
According to Akahi News, he disclosed that Nigerian security agencies have held multiple engagements with major social media companies to ensure that accounts and content posing threats to national security are promptly taken down.
“These platforms are businesses and are interested in growing their user base, but we engage them and explain the implications of certain posts on national security, and we take them down,” he said.
Evolving Tactics and Ongoing Countermeasures
The NCTC Director-General further noted that terrorist tactics continue to evolve, with criminals increasingly using aliases, unverified accounts, and anonymous digital identities to evade detection.
Observers told Akahi News that this constant adaptation has forced security agencies to remain proactive, upgrading intelligence-gathering tools and strengthening collaboration with both local and international partners.
Laka stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy is dynamic, designed to respond swiftly to new threats while safeguarding civil liberties and national stability.
Broader Implications for National Security
Analysts believe that the revelations underscore the urgent need for tighter regulation of PoS operations and stronger digital surveillance mechanisms, without undermining financial inclusion or freedom of expression.
As Akahi News gathered, the Federal Government’s renewed focus on terror financing highlights the central role of financial intelligence and digital cooperation in modern security operations.
The alarm raised by the Federal Government over terrorists’ use of PoS operators and social media platforms reflects the changing nature of security threats in Nigeria. While significant progress has been made through arrests, prosecutions, and asset seizures, authorities insist that sustained vigilance and public cooperation remain crucial.
As Nigerians head into the new year, security agencies have reassured citizens of their commitment to staying ahead of criminal networks and protecting national security.
For continuous updates and in-depth reporting on security and governance, stay informed with Akahi News.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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