Militants exploit AI-generated deepfakes and local language propaganda as reliance on mobile network shutdowns and foreign digital infrastructure hampers progress.
Al-Qaeda-backed terrorist groups like Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Sahel are increasingly using digital technology to execute terror acts anonymously. Ironically, the same geodata they exploit can also be used to detect and prevent crime. While the Nigerian government claims to utilize modern digital methods in combating terrorism, Boko Haram has persisted for over two decades, spawning splinter groups like Lakurawa and Mahmuda. This piece critically evaluates the government’s use of digital resources in the war on terror and suggests solutions to address its shortcomings.
Key institutional frameworks established by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 coordinate counter-terrorism strategies, including digital operations. In 2025, the NCTC launched a Strategic Plan (2025-2030) to improve intelligence analysis and regional cooperation. Additionally, in 2016, the Nigerian Armed Forces established the Defence Space Administration to enhance its space and cyberspace capabilities. By 2022, the Nigerian Army’s Cyber Warfare Command was launched to optimize communications, data processing, and crime prevention.
Based in Abuja, this unit utilizes digital intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to monitor online terrorist activities. In 2025, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy shifted to “digital sovereignty,” aiming to control cyberspace and prevent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP from exploiting technology. This approach includes legal reforms, specialized military commands, and international partnerships to combat extremist use of encrypted apps, AI, and drones.
Experts suggested that the initiative aims to enhance digital ISR capacity in Africa to combat threats from terrorist organizations like Boko Haram, particularly in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. Digital ISR tools are essential in the fight against terrorism, as these groups have also adopted digital methods. To protect civilians and secure territories, the government is utilizing open-source intelligence (OSINT) for real-time monitoring of social media to prevent attacks. These tools help military authorities gain an advantage over terrorists.
Government officials stated that tools are used for sentiment analysis on platforms like Meta, while also mentioning the use of Maltego software to monitor discussions on the dark web for tackling extremist propaganda. The Nigeria Customs Service revealed it employs geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) to detect crime, which integrates satellite imagery, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and analytics for visualizing geographic features and changes. Additionally, the agency confirmed the use of OSINT in conflict zones.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched the National Cybercrime Centre to investigate tech-enabled crimes, including terrorist recruitment. The 2022 Code of Practice mandates digital platforms to remove prohibited terrorist content within 24 hours of notification. Additionally, the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2024 provides a framework for regulating digital activities and asserting government authority over digital infrastructure.
In the same year, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) began utilizing AI and blockchain analysis to combat terrorist financing, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector. It employs Social Network Analysis (SNA), leveraging telecommunications data to expose hidden networks. In early 2025, the government announced the deployment of Drone Defense in response to ISWAP’s use of armed drones, prioritizing counter-drone technologies. Additionally, a new licensing procedure for satellite telecommunications was introduced to prevent militants from accessing high-speed services like Starlink and Project Kuiper for secure communications.
In 2025, Nigeria and the UK established a Cyber Dialogue to share real-time information on cyber threats and protect digital infrastructure. Nigeria also launched the “goTravel” software to screen airline passengers against law enforcement watchlists to identify foreign terrorist fighters. Additionally, Nigeria co-chairs the GCTF’s Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group to develop international standards for addressing tech-enabled terrorism.
Despite innovations and a significant N6.57 trillion security budget for 2025, the nation continues to struggle with terrorism due to corruption, poor inter-agency coordination, and a lack of specialized skills. Militants exploit AI-generated deepfakes and local language propaganda, while reliance on mobile network shutdowns and foreign digital infrastructure hampers progress. Strengthening local capacity and infrastructure is crucial to overcoming these challenges.
Surmounting these huddles and harnessing digital technology is essential. This requires transparency and collaboration among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigerian Police, and other agencies like customs and immigration. It is believed that regional cooperation and investment in digital tools can enhance situational awareness, speed up decision-making, and improve operational effectiveness in combating terrorism.
