The Vanguard Newspaper recently sounded a grave warning on its official X handle, announcing a concerning new tactic by terrorists: an aggressive, high-stakes recruitment drive through social media platforms. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Nigerian military revealed that this recruitment effort is spearheaded by the ISWAP terrorist group, a notorious faction in West Africa with a growing digital footprint.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Nigerian armed forces had uncovered this desperate bid to bolster ISWAP’s dwindling ranks following recent successful offensives by Nigerian troops. According to Buba, sustained military operations across the region have inflicted heavy losses on ISWAP, depleting its personnel and weakening its capacity. Yet, instead of conceding, the terrorist group has intensified efforts to rebuild, targeting vulnerable individuals through carefully crafted online campaigns.
Buba’s statement underscored the urgent need for vigilance, particularly on social media, where the group is employing sophisticated tactics to entice recruits. “We are witnessing a desperate attempt by ISWAP to lure individuals into their ranks as our forces continue to dismantle their infrastructure,” he noted. These recruitment campaigns aim to attract young, impressionable individuals who may be enticed by deceptive promises of purpose, financial support, or camaraderie in the group’s ranks.
The Nigerian military has vowed to remain unrelenting, intensifying surveillance and cyber operations to counter this online threat. Additionally, they have called on civilians, particularly young people, to remain alert and avoid falling prey to these manipulative recruitment tactics. To bolster this, the government is reportedly collaborating with tech companies and international security agencies to track, report, and disrupt any suspicious online activities that may further ISWAP’s influence.
In a final call to action, Buba reassured the public that the armed forces would continue their operations to safeguard national security, pledging that ISWAP’s desperate attempts to replenish their forces would not succeed. “Our troops will maintain an unwavering stance, sustaining relentless pressure on ISWAP and all terror factions,” he said.
With the military’s determined response and a united civilian front, authorities are optimistic that they can neutralize this growing threat before it spreads further. The Nigerian government urges citizens to report suspicious activity and remain united against forces threatening the peace and stability of the nation.
PIONEER NEWS 