Technology today is playing a very critical role in Terrorist activities in Nigeria and different parts of Africa. Today, Boko Haram terrorists operating in Nigeria are using high end technology apparatus to successfully carry out surveillance, and deadly attacks on Nigerian Military troops.
Key Takeaways:
-Technology advances in AI, Drone Technology and Social Media is helping Terrorists in Nigeria to successfully carry out Attacks on Nigerian Military troops
-Different Modern Technologies uses by Terrorists to carry out Attacks on Military troops in Nigeria
-What must be done to win the War against Terrorism in Nigeria and Africa?
In Nigeria today, Technologies have expanded Boko Haram’s reach and operational efficiency, challenging security forces In Nigeria today. Terrorists are now using technology aided surveillance, cyber intelligence, drone technology and data analytics to carry out successful attacks on Nigerian Military troops.
How Terrorists are using Technology to Attack Nigerian Military Troops
Starlink Surveillance Technology: Yesterday, the Nigerian Military Intercepted Over 400 Starlink Devices Linked To Boko Haram, ISWAP In North-East
The Starlink terminals, linked to satellite internet services operated by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, were reportedly recovered during sustained military operations conducted in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other terrorist enclaves across the North-East.
The Nigerian military disclosed that troops of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted and seized more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists operating across Nigeria’s North-East region.
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents on ongoing military offensives and intelligence-driven operations targeted at dismantling terrorist logistics and communication networks in the insurgency-ravaged region, according to a report by Zagazola.
The Starlink terminals, linked to satellite internet services operated by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, were reportedly recovered during sustained military operations conducted in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other terrorist enclaves across the North-East.
Martins said the military had intensified efforts to cripple the supply chains and communication structures sustaining insurgent operations.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational items across the theatre,” he said.
He explained that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters had continued to rely on civilian supply chains and collaborators to transport food items, drugs, fuel, communication gadgets and motorcycle spare parts into remote hideouts.
Modern Drone Attacks: Terrorist groups in Nigeria’s northeastern states are expanding their use of commercial, off-the-shelf drones (COTS), escalating their ability to attack military compounds and civilian targets in Borno and Yobe states.
Nigeria’s Premium Times reported earlier this year that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists acquired 35 quadcopter drones transported through smuggling routes in the Lake Chad basin.
Terrorists across the region have used drones for gathering intelligence, targeting weapons, and filming propaganda. The addition of armed drones gives terror groups the capacity to change the tempo of violence, Olumba wrote.
“Drones can enable them to conduct repeated, sustained strikes against the Nigerian military formations rather than sporadic raids,” he added. “It also raises the prospect of coordinated multi-drone attacks by the terrorists using drone swarms.”
Analysts say that governments must respond to the growing threat from armed quadcopters by developing better countermeasures as well as with their own drone industry. Nigeria has in recent years ramped up domestic drone production through companies such as Briech UAS and Terra Industries. The first Briech-produced drone debuted in April 2025. Terra Industries on its part has ramped up its production of Digital drones and Unmanned Vehicles used for Military Warfare. Recently, the company announced the expansion of its Drone Manufacturing Factory to Ghana with the development of a 34,000 Square foot Drone Manufacturing Factory situated in Ghana West Africa.
Cybersecurity: The cybersecurity dynamics in Central Africa further complicate the battle against Boko Haram. Today, the group’s cyber activities extend beyond traditional warfare tactics, involving cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and the use of the internet for radicalization. In one instance, Boko Haram launched a cyber-attack on Nigeria’s power grid, disrupting electricity supply in parts of the country.
This attack highlighted the vulnerabilities within the region’s cybersecurity defenses and underscored the need for more robust protective measures. Moreover, the internet’s role in radicalizing and recruiting individuals to join Boko Haram cannot be overstated. Today, Online platforms provide a fertile ground for spreading extremist ideologies, making it imperative for governments to develop comprehensive strategies that address both physical and cyber threats.One notable example of this integration is Boko Haram’s use of social media platforms for propaganda and recruitment.
The group’s ability to leverage platforms like Facebook and Twitter to disseminate extremist messages and propaganda has enabled it to reach a global audience and attract recruits from various regions. Boko Haram’s propaganda often includes visually compelling content, such as videos and images, that glorify their actions and ideology. For instance, the group’s video releases depicting violent attacks and the purported successes of their operations serve not only to intimidate but also to inspire and radicalize potential followers. This strategic use of social media has expanded Boko Haram’s influence far beyond the borders of Nigeria, illustrating how technology can amplify the reach of terrorist organizations in the digital age.
In addition to social media, Boko Haram has effectively utilized encrypted messaging applications to secure their communications. Tools like Telegram and WhatsApp allow the group to exchange information and coordinate operations without the risk of interception by security forces.
What Must be Done to Curtail The use of Technology by Terrorists in Nigeria and Africa?
-All Terrorist Sponsors and Financiers must be brought to face Justice: The Nigerian government must identify, arrest and bring all Terrorist Sponsors to Justice. This comes as certain foreign and local actors have been identified and linked to Terrorism sponsoring in recent times by the Nigerian Government. By identifying, arresting and bringing these Terrorist Financiers to Justice, the pillars of Terrorism will be destroyed.
-Block and Ban all Terrorist Social Media Platforms: The Nigerian government must trace and block all Social Media accounts used in promoting Terrorist activities on Social Media. Big Tech platforms like Facebook, Tiktok, X, etc must desist from promoting Terrorist propaganda for peace and harmony to reign in Nigeria.
-Boost Border Security: The Nigerian government must hurriedly increase surveillance and security at the Nigerian borders to Curtail entry of Technology for Terrorist activities. By doing this, Nigeria can successfully stop the entry of Terrorist Drones and Surveillance Technologies from coming in to the country.
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