How Terrorists Exploit AI, Drones And Crypto To Evade Security Agencies — Ribadu

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has raised concerns over the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrencies and other emerging technologies by terrorist groups, warning that these tools are making it increasingly difficult for security agencies to track and apprehend insurgents.

Ribadu made the remarks in Abuja on Tuesday during a three-day regional training conference focused on counterterrorism and security cooperation across West Africa and the Sahel.

Represented at the conference by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, the NSA said terrorist groups were exploiting social media and digital platforms to recruit members, spread propaganda, conceal financial transactions and coordinate operations across national borders.

He explained that advances in artificial intelligence could enable extremists to generate targeted propaganda rapidly, while drones and autonomous systems could expand their operational capabilities. Cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets, he added, were creating new channels through which terrorist organisations could finance their activities.

Ribadu stressed the need for security agencies to improve their capacity to anticipate, detect, analyse and disrupt emerging threats before they escalate.

He called on countries across West Africa and the Sahel to invest in technical expertise, strengthen security institutions and enhance cooperation among intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

The NSA also emphasised the importance of sharing intelligence across borders and exchanging information about cyber threats promptly, noting that terrorism could not be effectively tackled by one country or institution acting alone.

The conference brought together representatives from West African and Sahelian countries, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Multinational Joint Task Force, regional intelligence bodies and international organisations.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ribadu’s warning highlights the growing challenge facing security agencies as terrorist groups increasingly exploit digital technologies to expand their reach, finance operations and evade detection.