Boko Haram, the Nigeria-based terrorist group, is increasingly using platforms like TikTok to spread its extremist ideology and recruit followers, according to a warning issued by a regional security analyst. The shift to short-form video platforms marks a concerning evolution in the group’s digital strategy, leveraging the popularity and viral nature of social media to target younger audiences.
The analyst, who specializes in counterterrorism in West Africa, revealed that Boko Haram affiliates have been uploading propaganda clips, including glorified depictions of fighters and messages aimed at undermining state institutions. These videos are often masked under religious or motivational content, making them harder to detect and remove.
TikTok’s algorithm, which prioritizes engagement and virality, may unintentionally amplify such content before moderation systems can intervene. Although the platform has community guidelines that prohibit extremist material, analysts argue that enforcement in local languages and cultural contexts remains weak, especially in regions like northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.
This development has sparked concerns among policymakers and civil society groups about the potential for radicalisation, particularly among disaffected youth with limited access to education or employment. “The reach and speed of these platforms are unparalleled. It allows groups like Boko Haram to bypass traditional surveillance and connect directly with potential recruits,” the analyst said.
Authorities are now calling for stronger collaboration between governments, tech companies, and local communities to combat online radicalisation. Experts emphasize the need for a proactive strategy that includes digital literacy campaigns, improved content moderation, and more robust counter-narratives to prevent extremist ideologies from gaining traction online.
