Terrorists Exploiting Cyberspace for Recruitment, Funding, Says COAS
The Nigerian Army has warned that terrorist and other criminal groups are increasingly exploiting cyberspace to recruit members, raise funds, coordinate attacks and disseminate propaganda, describing the trend as a growing threat to Nigeria’s national security.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, raised the concern on Tuesday at the 2026 Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School Seminar in Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Jeremiah Manjang, the Army Chief said cyberspace has evolved into a strategic domain where both state and non-state actors operate with unprecedented speed, making cyber threats increasingly sophisticated and difficult to counter.
According to him, hostile actors no longer require physical presence to disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, manipulate public opinion or undermine national security through anonymous cyber attacks.
He noted that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, organised crime, misinformation and disinformation are increasingly being facilitated, coordinated and amplified through digital platforms and cyber networks.
“The reality is that terrorist and criminal groups now exploit cyberspace for recruitment, propaganda, fundraising, intelligence gathering, attack coordination and concealment of illicit financial transactions. This demands a proactive and coordinated national response,” he said.
Shaibu said the changing security landscape has compelled the Nigerian Army to strengthen its cyber warfare capabilities to effectively confront emerging asymmetric and technology-driven threats.
He advocated enhanced cyber intelligence powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced data analytics to improve early warning systems, threat detection and predictive security capabilities.
The Army Chief also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the military, law enforcement agencies, academia and the private sector, stressing that cybersecurity requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.
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He further underscored the need for sustained investment in indigenous cyber capabilities, research, technological innovation and human capacity development to protect Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and improve national resilience against evolving cyber threats.
According to him, integrating cyber capabilities into conventional military operations would significantly enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, geospatial analysis, command-and-control systems, situational awareness and overall operational effectiveness.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School, Brig.-Gen. Jacob Bawa, said the seminar was organised to deepen cybersecurity awareness, strengthen cyber resilience and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders.
Bawa observed that Nigeria’s growing dependence on digital technologies has exposed critical infrastructure—including telecommunications, power systems, financial institutions and government databases—to cybercriminals, terrorist organisations and hostile state actors.
He said the Cyber Warfare School was established as a centre of excellence for cyber warfare training, education and research, adding that participants would examine issues relating to cyber resilience, threat intelligence, incident response, cyber warfare and emerging technologies with a view to developing practical recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture.
Also speaking at the seminar, Global Cybersecurity Resource, Abdulhakeem Ajijola, said national security is increasingly dependent on the protection of digital systems, noting that artificial intelligence is transforming military operations, command structures and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Ajijola urged Nigeria to develop sovereign cyber capabilities, warning that excessive reliance on foreign-controlled software, digital platforms and artificial intelligence could undermine national resilience, operational continuity and independent decision-making during periods of crisis.
He stressed that while technology should enhance national security and operational efficiency, responsibility for critical operational decisions must remain with human commanders.
By PRNigeria
