The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside officials from the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre, has raised alarms over the increasing use of social media and cryptocurrencies by terrorist groups in West Africa and the Sahel. This warning was issued during a three-day regional training conference held in Abuja, aimed at tackling the exploitation of information and communication technologies by these groups.

Idriss Lalalli, the Acting Director of the AU Counter-Terrorism Centre, highlighted the alarming trend of organizations such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) expanding their operations through digital means. He stated that these groups are not only recruiting members via social media platforms but are also adept at concealing funds through mobile money, gift cards, and cryptocurrencies.

Lalalli elaborated on the sophisticated methods employed by these terrorist organizations, noting, "They buy weapons on darknet marketplaces, communicate over satellite links beyond our networks, and fly drones across borders, using artificial intelligence to tailor propaganda and evade detection." He emphasized that the rapid and cost-effective nature of these digital tools allows terrorist cells to reach wider audiences and operate more swiftly than security agencies can respond.

The AU official pointed out that the disparity in the capacity to counter these threats among member states remains a significant challenge. He proposed that specialized training, regional coordination, and enhanced collaboration with private-sector operators could help bridge this gap. Participants in the conference will receive training in crucial areas such as cyber threat intelligence, open-source intelligence, digital forensics, and blockchain analysis. These skills are essential for tracking online recruitment networks, preserving digital evidence, and tracing cryptocurrency transactions.

In his remarks, Ribadu, represented by Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, underscored the multifaceted nature of the threats posed by emerging technologies. He noted that terrorist groups are utilizing digital platforms not only for propaganda but also for radicalizing potential recruits, raising funds, and coordinating operations across borders.

Ribadu warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence, drones, and virtual assets introduces new complexities to the security landscape in Nigeria and the surrounding region. He stated, "Emerging technologies add further complexity: Artificial Intelligence can rapidly produce personalized content; drones and autonomous systems can expand operational capabilities; and virtual assets can create new financing channels."

To effectively combat these evolving threats, Ribadu called for a collective response that goes beyond acquiring advanced equipment. He emphasized the necessity of developing technical expertise, strengthening institutions, and fostering cooperation among security agencies. Additionally, he advocated for increased cross-border intelligence sharing and timely exchanges of actionable cyber threat information among countries in West Africa and the Sahel.

Ribadu also mentioned Nigeria's collaboration with the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre to secure accreditation for the National Counter Terrorism Centre as a regional center of excellence for counterterrorism efforts in West Africa and the Sahel. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment made at the High-Level Africa Counterterrorism Summit in April 2024.

The conference brought together participants from various West African nations, the Sahel region, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Multinational Joint Task Force, and international organizations, reflecting a unified approach to addressing the growing threat of terrorism in the region.