A spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Daniel Bwala, says Nigerian security agencies cannot easily track terrorists who appear on TikTok, Facebook, and other social media platforms displaying guns and cash because they use internet services that operate outside Nigeria’s regulatory system. Bwala made this known during an interview on Nigeria Info radio, where he explained the challenges security agencies face when trying to trace bandits and kidnappers online.
His comments come at a time when Nigerians have expressed frustration over frequent videos of terrorists boasting about ransom collected from kidnap victims. Many citizens have questioned why security agencies are quick to arrest government critics and social media users, but seem unable to track criminals who openly threaten communities and display large amounts of money online.
Bwala explained that the situation is more complicated than it appears. According to him, while Nigeria has systems for tracking people who use local internet services, this does not apply to those relying on foreign networks such as Elon Musk’s Starlink. He noted that many terrorists operate in remote areas where regular mobile networks are weak, so they rely on internet devices that are not registered or regulated in Nigeria.
“Let me give you one scenario,” Bwala said during the interview. “There is a regulatory body in Nigeria that has a database of Nigerian people. There is also a body that deals with internet service provision, where if you are using an internet service that is covered within the sphere of Nigeria, we can trace wherever you are through your IP address.
“But if you are using Starlink, we cannot trace it because Starlink is not registered in Nigeria. It’s in the space,” he added.
The issue of terrorists using advanced technology is not new. Over the years, reports have shown that many bandits and insurgent groups in northern Nigeria use satellite phones, drones, and encrypted communication tools. These devices allow them to operate across difficult terrains, especially forests and mountains where ordinary telecommunication networks do not function properly.
Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been expanding across Africa in recent years. Although it is not officially approved in Nigeria according to Bwala’s explanation, many people have been able to purchase the devices through neighbouring countries such as Niger and Cameroon. Because the service works directly through satellites and not through local telecommunications networks, tracking its users becomes extremely difficult.
Security analysts have noted that similar challenges exist in other parts of the world. Criminal groups often rely on technologies that bypass local regulations. This makes it harder for governments to monitor their activities, especially when the devices use strong encryption or international satellite connections.
In the past year, several videos have gone viral showing terrorists counting bundles of cash said to be ransom payments from kidnap victims. In some clips, the criminals flaunted weapons and threatened communities, government officials, and security agencies. These videos have caused anger and fear among Nigerians, especially those living in states where kidnapping for ransom has become common.
Many Nigerians have questioned why the government, which has strong surveillance tools for monitoring social media, cannot use the same tools to locate and arrest the criminals. Some critics say the explanation by the Presidency may not be enough and that the government must develop stronger methods to deal with terrorists using foreign technology.
Mr. Bwala stated that the government is aware of the problem and is working to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries and international technology companies. He added that new policies may be needed to regulate satellite internet services more effectively, especially in conflict-prone areas.
He also noted that security operations are often more complicated than what the public sees online. According to him, many arrests and raids carried out by the military and other agencies are not made public for security reasons. He advised Nigerians to be patient and allow security agencies to continue their work.
Nigeria has been fighting terrorism for more than a decade. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the North-East. In recent years, another major threat emerged from bandits operating mainly in the North-West and North-Central regions. These groups carry out mass kidnappings, attacks on villages, and highway robberies.
The spread of cheap smartphones, portable internet devices, and social media apps has given these groups new ways to spread fear and plan attacks. Governments around the world, including Nigeria’s, now face the challenge of policing digital spaces while balancing citizens’ rights.
As the country continues to battle insecurity, many Nigerians hope that stronger cooperation between government agencies, tech companies and neighbouring countries will help reduce the influence of terrorists and bring peace to affected communities.
