Connect with us

Crime

Boko Haram’s new video tactics raise national security concerns

Published

on

Boko Haram’s new video tactics raise national security concerns

By: Zagazola Makama

In an era defined by the rapid evolution of digital technologies, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for public engagement, awareness creation, and communication. However, this same medium has also been weaponised by terror groups such as Boko Haram, particularly its Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati wal-Jihad (JAS) factions, to fuel violent extremism and undermine national security efforts.

Zagazola has been raising alarm following spate of Boko Haram propaganda videos, notably one featuring a youthful and energetic speaker, estimated to be between the ages of 19 and 21, appearing to revive the disbanded rhetoric and style of the late Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. There were also several platforms on TikTok which job is to propagate and recycle old preaching of Muhammad Yusuf, the Founder of Boko Haram and Abubakar Shekau.

The videos, circulated widely on platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, have not only praised the resilience of the jihadist movement but also openly criticised the Nigerian government and its armed forces.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert monitoring developments in the Lake Chad region, described the development as “a dangerous trend capable of influencing vulnerable minds, inciting hatred against the state, and reinvigorating terrorism recruitment channels, especially among urban sympathizers.”

One of the central figures in the new video wave is allegedly an ardent follower of Bakura Doro, also known as Abu Ummaima, a senior commander of the JAS faction. However, intelligence observers are questioning the credibility and coherence of his message. “It is strange that an alleged JAS loyalist is speaking on behalf of ISWAP, a rival group that has repeatedly clashed with JAS,” a senior security source noted. “It suggests that the speaker may not be a frontline fighter, but rather an urban propagandist exploiting social media to sow confusion and fear.”

This comes amid heightened security tension in Borno State following renewed attacks by ISWAP on military positions and recent civilian killings in Mallam Karamti and Dawashi areas. In contrast, JAS has maintained a relatively lower profile since their last major confrontation with Chadian troops in 2024.

The disturbing development coincides with a broader national conversation on digital regulation and cyber monitoring, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Analysts warn that allowing such inflammatory content to thrive online not only emboldens terror groups but also poses grave implications for national stability, as hostile actors may leverage the content to erode public trust in democratic institutions.

“The fact that terror sympathisers can trend such messages unchecked is a glaring indictment of our current digital response capabilities,” Makama said. “These individuals must be tracked, their platforms dismantled, and the content removed without delay.”

There must be an improved coordination among the Nigerian Police, the Defence Intelligence Agency, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to map out and neutralize digital terror cells.

We must invest in cutting-edge surveillance and artificial intelligence tools to identify these digital propagandists. They are as dangerous as gunmen in the field. The battlefront has shifted; modern warfare is now fought with both bullets and bandwidth,” Zagazola warned.

He added that Nigerian authorities have in the past succeeded in working with global social media giants to remove extremist content. However, experts say the country must now institutionalise a domestic capability to detect, counter, and neutralise online threats in real time.

The National Orientation Agency and the Ministry of Communications are also being urged to scale up counter-narratives, promote digital literacy among citizens, and provide accurate, timely updates to counteract disinformation.

The time has come for Nigeria to treat the digital domain as an active battlefield one that requires as much vigilance, strategy, and firepower as any other theatre of conflict. The war is no longer only in the forests of Sambisa or the shores of Lake Chad; it is also on the screens of millions.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
End

Boko Haram’s new video tactics raise national security concerns

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau

Published

on

Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed a reported abduction of two persons along the Wanka–Dengi road in Kanam LGA.

According to the source, troops trailed the relative of one of the victims, who had been instructed by the kidnappers to drop a ransom at Madam Forest, where the operation took place.

“During the rescue operation, troops made contact with the kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of two armed bandits, while others fled into the forest,” the source said.

Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau

Continue Reading

Crime

Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State

Published

on

Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have neutralised a notorious armed militia leader identified as Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo, during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the development followed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of arms and ammunition at the outskirts of Lugere Village on Oct. 20.

The source said preliminary interrogation revealed that Idris had participated in several criminal attacks within Barkin Ladi and its neighbouring communities.

He was said to have confessed to leading a network of armed collaborators and volunteered to guide troops to their hideout at Kassa Village in Barkin Ladi.

However, while leading the troops to the location at about 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, the suspect allegedly made a desperate attempt to snatch a soldier’s rifle in an effort to escape.

The troops responded swiftly, neutralising him on the spot.

The source added that a follow-up operation was ongoing in the general area to apprehend his collaborators and recover additional weapons linked to the group.

Security officials have maintained increased presence in Barkin Ladi to prevent reprisal attacks and ensure the continued safety of residents.

Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State

Continue Reading

Crime

Gunmen kill two in Jos South community

Published

on

Gunmen kill two in Jos South community

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have killed two persons in an attack on Darong community in Gyero village, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said that the incident in a statement issued to newsmen in Jos on Tuesday night.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Oct. 21, when some unidentified gunmen invaded the community and began shooting sporadically.

“In the process, one Pam Choji and one other unidentified male sustained gunshot injuries. Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, ‘B’ Division Bukuru, led a team of operatives to the scene and evacuated the victims to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital for medical attention,” the statement said.

According to the source, the victims were confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.

The sources further said reinforcement comprising army troops, police personnel had been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

He added that the command had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and urged residents to provide credible information to assist security agencies in their investigation.
End

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights