Government Responds to Rising Terrorist Activity on Social Media
The Federal Government has recognized the increasing involvement of terrorist groups in social media, prompting a firm challenge to these organizations to confront security forces directly. Terrorists have notably utilized platforms like TikTok to showcase their activities, with alarming videos surfacing that illustrate their operations.
Recently, a suspected terrorist with 7,893 followers and 27,700 likes on TikTok posted several videos filmed from a woodland area. In these clips, he was observed organizing stacks of N1,000 and N500 notes on a mat. Earlier this year, another individual linked to a terrorist group garnered attention for a strange appeal in a viral TikTok video, asking Nigerians to share their bank account numbers. This request was purportedly to reward those who supported their leader, Mohammed Bello Turji Kachalla, during protests over economic challenges in the country.
The Defence Headquarters has expressed concerns about terrorists, particularly a faction known as Lakurawa, exploiting social media for propaganda and recruitment purposes. In conversation with our reporter on Saturday, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre within the Office of the National Security Adviser, confirmed that the government is taking steps to counter this emerging trend.
“We are indeed aware and are actively addressing these issues,” Laka stated, responding to inquiries regarding the escalation of social media usage by terrorist groups. He downplayed recent threats made by these organizations, labeling them as mere acts of propaganda intended to instill fear among the populace.
“These threats are tactics to create panic in society; citizens should ignore them,” he emphasized.
Additionally, Laka referred to the terrorist groups in the nation as cowardly, challenging them to engage security forces directly to validate their claims. “If these terrorists are as daring and well-armed as they purport, they should notify the security agencies of their locations and invite them for an engagement. The reality is, they lack the courage,” he asserted.
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