The Federal Government has raised the alarm over the increasing use of Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators by terrorists and kidnappers to collect ransom payments, describing the trend as a major challenge to tracking and disrupting terror financing networks.
The Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, disclosed this on Tuesday during an end-of-year briefing in Abuja.
Laka said intelligence reports showed that ransom payments were now routinely channelled through PoS operators’ bank accounts, making it more difficult for security agencies to trace the funds and apprehend those behind the crimes.
According to him, kidnappers often provide victims’ families with PoS account numbers, into which ransom money is transferred before being withdrawn and handed over to the criminals“You will see a transfer, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a PoS operator.
The kidnappers give out the PoS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go there to collect it,” Laka explained.
The NCTC boss described ransom payments as one of the biggest sources of terrorist financing in the country, adding that security agencies were intensifying efforts to monitor financial flows linked to kidnapping and terrorism.
He said several arrests and prosecutions had already been recorded in connection with ransom payments and terror financing, although he declined to provide details, citing security concerns.
“We are tracking these payments, arresting those involved and disrupting the networks, but some operational details cannot be made public for obvious security reasons,” he said.
Laka revealed that Nigeria’s recent progress in meeting the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing was partly due to coordinated investigations by a joint committee involving security agencies, financial intelligence units and the judiciary.
He added that asset seizures and recoveries linked to terrorism financing had also contributed to the country’s improved compliance with international standards.
Beyond financial channels, the NCTC chief said terrorists were increasingly exploiting social media platforms to publicise their activities, raise funds and communicate with supporters.
According to him, platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X have been used by terrorist groups to display looted items, promote operations and mobilise support.
Laka disclosed that Nigerian security agencies were engaging major social media companies to identify and take down accounts linked to terrorism and criminal activities.
“These platforms are businesses interested in growing their user base, but we engage them, explain the national security implications of certain posts, and those accounts are taken down,” he said.
While acknowledging the evolving tactics of terrorists and the security challenges posed by porous borders in the Sahel region, Laka assured Nigerians that security agencies would continue to strengthen both physical and digital counter-terrorism measures.
“We are doing our best and we will not relent. In 2026, we are going to up our game,” he added.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
