By George Sylvester
The United Nations has warned that terrorist groups operating in Nigeria are adapting rapidly to modern technology, increasingly relying on drones, encrypted digital platforms and cryptocurrency to finance operations, coordinate attacks and evade detection by security agencies. The development, according to the global body, highlights the changing nature of terrorism and the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
The warning was contained in a report presented to the United Nations Security Council, which noted that extremist organisations across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region are taking advantage of technological advancements to strengthen their operational capabilities.
The report explained that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles has enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering, while digital currencies are making it more difficult for authorities to trace financial transactions linked to terrorist activities.
The UN expressed concern that the evolving tactics of terrorist groups could undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts if governments fail to strengthen technological capacity and intelligence coordination.
It urged Nigeria and other countries in the region to invest in modern surveillance systems, cyber intelligence, financial monitoring and cross-border cooperation to combat the growing threat.
The organisation further stressed that defeating terrorism requires more than military action.
It called for sustained investments in education, economic development, youth employment and good governance, arguing that addressing the root causes of extremism remains essential to achieving lasting peace and stability across Nigeria and the wider West
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