Jihadists in Nigeria Harness TikTok for Global Recruitment and Radicalization

Extremist organizations such as Boko Haram are growing both in number and power within northeast Nigeria, utilizing social media platforms to promote their initiatives and attract fresh members.

Jihadists in Nigeria And their backers are progressively relying more on social media platforms. TikTok , sharing videos depicting themselves holding assault rifles, grenades, and piles of money, as reported by France’s Agence France-Presse (AFP).

AFP analyzed videos on the subject. social network , readily available to all, they mentioned.

In April, at least 100 individuals lost their lives due to the fresh surge of extremist assaults, according to the governor. Borno The epicenter of the ongoing conflict since 2009, stated the government is ceding territory to militant organizations.

The news organization has recognized multiple accounts on the China-based platform where both males and females, including some who are quite young, showcase firearms and stacks of money.

An Algerian TikTok influencer was sentenced in France for promoting terrorist activities.

A number of these broadcasts go out live, promoting anti-Western ideas in a manner similar to those seen in videos released by the now-deceased individual. Boko Haram Leader Abubakar Shekau during the initial stages of the 15-year-long rebellion.

Criminal groups responsible for village raids and kidnapping-for-ransom activities in the northwestern part of the nation have reportedly utilized TikTok, according to testimonials from Nigerians.

"It began with bandits," said Bulama Bukarti, a security analyst based in Texas at the company. Bridgeway Foundation posted on X (previously known as Twitter) saying, "Currently, Boko Haram members are conducting live broadcasts on TikTok—promoting their ideologies, rationalizing their acts of violence, and intimidating individuals who oppose them."

A member of Boko Haram even threatened Bukarti personally in a now-removed TikTok video because he spoke out against the organization, according to him.

'It's paying off'

Among the 19 accounts reviewed by AFP were men dressed as clerics, their faces revealed to the camera even as they called for violence against the government and teamed up with accounts that showed off weapons hauls.

Accounts also share archival footage of the founding leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, as well as clips of Isah Garo Assalafy, who was prohibited from public preaching in Niger State due to his use of aggressive speech opposing democracy and Western civilization.

These accounts often go live, engaging with followers, responding to queries, and getting virtual presents that can be turned into money.

The French cybersecurity agency has issued a warning about potential TikTok manipulation potentially affecting Romania's election once more.

The insurgency in Nigeria, involving not only local jihadists but also an opposing branch of the Islamic State group, has resulted in over 40,000 fatalities and forced approximately 2 million individuals from their homes within the continent’s most heavily populated nation.

Saddiqui Muhammad, a previous member of a extremist group who later left, informed AFP that militant organizations are shifting their focus to TikTok partly due to increased pressure from security forces on the encrypted platform Telegram.

They are aware that TikTok has gained significant traction among younger audiences.

Mohammad explained that jihadists recognized the importance of connecting with youth by using a language they relate to, rather than relying on conventional preachy and manipulative approaches which tend to be dull and unappealing to them.

All signs suggest that it’s working. They are extending their reach to attract younger possible recruits.

'They aren't afraid'

Experts argue that the utilization of TikTok by individuals associated with armed factions represents an explicit defiance towards the administration.

For Malik Samuel, who works as a security analyst in Abuja for the pan-African think tank, Good Governance Africa It is typical for Boko Haram to employ its younger members to disseminate propaganda.

Samuel explained that appearing openly demonstrates that they are not intimidated and makes it clear to their intended audience that they are interacting with genuine individuals.

Bukarti had previously expressed worries regarding the growing activity of the Boko Haram terror organization on prominent social media sites, with particular emphasis on TikTok. 2022 report .

Last month, Bugatti—who is also a senior member of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change - highlighted on Nigerian television that group members are actively using TikTok to propagate their ideology through video clips and live streaming in the Hausa language.

Survivors of Boko Haram in Cameroon recount their terrifying experiences.

Counter-action

A significant number of extremist accounts on the video-sharing application have been identified and removed; however, the ability to stream live content on this platform introduces an additional challenge for tracking the material these groups disseminate.

A representative from TikTok mentioned that it was challenging to determine the exact count of accounts associated with terrorist groups that have been removed.

"TikTok has no room for terrorist organizations or content associated with them, and we maintain a strict position against facilitating violent extremism both on and off our platform," stated a representative of the company in an emailed response to AFP.

TikTok has announced a collaboration with the United Nations. Tech Against Terrorism To enhance the identification and elimination of violent extremist material.

The community guidelines explicitly outline that violent and hate-filled groups or people are not permitted within our platform," the firm declares. "We consistently enforce measures against material that breaches these rules.

(with AFP)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

Share :