The Federal Government of Nigeria has ramped up its efforts to combat terrorism by monitoring the social media activities of suspected terrorists and their networks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the growing influence of online platforms in recruiting, radicalizing, and coordinating criminal activities.
According to a senior government official, intelligence agencies are employing advanced technologies and collaborating with international partners to trace and analyze digital footprints. This includes monitoring communications on popular platforms often exploited by terror groups for propaganda and operational planning.
The government has reiterated its commitment to respecting citizens’ privacy rights, ensuring that surveillance activities strictly target individuals and groups posing a threat to national security. The National Security Adviser’s office emphasized that this approach is crucial in preempting attacks and dismantling terror cells operating both online and offline.
Analysts have welcomed the move, urging the government to complement it with community-based intelligence gathering and robust counter-narratives to dissuade vulnerable individuals from joining extremist groups.
The development underscores the evolving nature of counter-terrorism efforts as digital spaces become increasingly critical in maintaining national security.
