- The federal government has stepped up efforts to crack down on terrorists and criminals using social media to coordinate attacks, fundraisers and livestream events.
- According to the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka said security agencies are working with major technology platforms to remove harmful content and close criminal accounts, while also targeting POS operators who use them to transfer ransom payments.
The federal government has stepped up efforts to shut down social media accounts used by terrorist and criminal groups to coordinate attacks and raise funds.
The Major General was speaking in Abuja on Tuesday. National Counterterrorism Center Director Adamu Raqqa revealed that platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X have been used by criminals to broadcast operations and display stolen goods.
Rakka noted that security agencies are working closely with technology platforms to remove threatening content and prevent live streaming of criminal acts.
“Criminals even live-streamed their operations at one point,” Rakka said. “But by working with these platforms, we have been able to block such broadcasts and close their accounts.”
The Attorney General stressed that kidnappers are increasingly using point-of-sale (POS) operators to collect and transmit ransom payments, making it difficult to trace financial trails.
“This system makes it harder for us to track their operations, but our teams are committed to disrupting these networks,” he said, adding that security teams are actively arresting people involved in these third-party trading channels.
In other news… Abia State Governor Alex Otti has restored power to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, ending nine years of power outage. The project, executed by ASOPADEC and the Ministry of Electricity and Utilities, includes transformer repair, new installation and line restoration. Oti urged residents to protect infrastructure and assured support for those who may be struggling with electricity bills.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has restored power to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, ending nine years of power outage in the area.
The power restoration project, executed by the Abia State Petroleum Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Utilities, fulfills the promise made by the governor in March 2025.
Governor Obi, who arrived with members of his cabinet on the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle electric bus, spoke at the official electrification ceremony at Obeyi Central Primary School where he urged residents to protect electrical facilities.
He emphasized community ownership as key to protecting infrastructure, noting that vandalism often originates from within communities.
To address concerns about electricity affordability, the governor directed relevant stakeholders to engage and develop measures to assist residents who may be struggling to meet their payment obligations.
Commissioner of Power and Utilities, Engineer. Ikechukwu on Monday outlined the scope of the project, which includes repairing 30 substations, installing 12 new transformers and repairing 37.5 kilometers of high and low voltage power lines.
