(DDM) – The Federal Government has ordered the takedown of social media accounts linked to terrorist groups operating within and outside Nigeria.
The directive forms part of an ongoing collaboration between Nigerian authorities and major social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook, to curb the use of digital spaces for terrorism-related activities.
Government sources said the affected accounts have been used for propaganda, recruitment, and fundraising by extremist groups.
Officials explained that terrorists increasingly rely on social media to spread ideology and coordinate activities.
The Federal Government said allowing such content to thrive online poses a serious national security risk.
According to authorities, extremist narratives shared on digital platforms can radicalise vulnerable individuals.
Security agencies noted that online propaganda has played a key role in sustaining insurgency and violent extremism.
The government said the takedown order followed intelligence reports linking specific accounts to terror financing.
It stated that some of the accounts were being used to solicit funds under humanitarian pretences.
Officials said the funds raised were allegedly channelled toward violent operations.
The Federal Government stressed that combating terrorism now requires both physical and digital strategies.
It noted that modern terror networks operate seamlessly across borders using online tools.
Authorities said Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the digital dimension of insecurity.
The collaboration with social media companies is part of a broader counterterrorism framework.
Platforms like Facebook and TikTok have reportedly agreed to strengthen content moderation related to Nigeria.
The government said these platforms would act swiftly once accounts are flagged by security agencies.
Officials noted that previous delays in content removal had allowed harmful messages to spread widely.
The takedown initiative is also aimed at disrupting recruitment pipelines.
Security experts say terrorist groups often target youths through emotionally charged online content.
Such content, they said, exploits grievances, poverty, and religious sentiments.
Nigeria has battled various forms of terrorism for over a decade.
Groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out deadly attacks in the North-East.
Banditry and extremist-linked violence have also affected parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
In recent years, authorities observed a shift toward online radicalisation.
This shift intensified as internet access expanded across rural communities.
The Federal Government said digital platforms must not become safe havens for criminals.
Officials stressed that freedom of expression does not extend to incitement or terrorism.
The government assured Nigerians that lawful speech would not be targeted.
It said only accounts linked to violence, extremism, or terror financing would be affected.
Human rights considerations, authorities said, remain part of the process.
The government added that actions would be guided by existing laws and court orders where necessary.
Cybercrime and terrorism laws provide the legal backing for such interventions.
Security agencies said they are also improving their digital intelligence capabilities.
This includes tracking online networks and monitoring suspicious financial transactions.
The government urged citizens to report extremist content encountered online.
It said public cooperation is essential to winning the fight against terrorism.
Officials warned social media users against sharing unverified or extremist materials.
They said sharing such content, even unknowingly, can aid terrorist objectives.
The Federal Government also called on tech companies to invest more in local content moderation.
It argued that understanding local languages and contexts is critical to identifying harmful content.
Analysts say Nigeria’s move reflects a global trend.
Many countries now pressure tech firms to take responsibility for security-related content.
Experts believe effective collaboration could significantly weaken terror networks.
They say cutting off online propaganda reduces recruitment and funding opportunities.
However, analysts also caution that enforcement must be consistent.
They warn that selective action could undermine public trust.
Civil society groups have called for transparency in the takedown process.
They urged the government to publish clear guidelines on what constitutes terrorist content.
The Federal Government said further engagements with stakeholders are planned.
It said national security remains a shared responsibility.
As digital spaces continue to evolve, authorities say counterterrorism strategies must adapt.
The takedown order signals Nigeria’s determination to confront terrorism on all fronts.