National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed have warned that terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence, AI, and digital platforms to recruit members, spread fear and expand their operations across Africa.
They issued the warning on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the opening of a High-Level African Lessons Learned Forum on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, Intelligence Sharing and Emerging Technologies in Abuja.
Ribadu said terrorists were taking advantage of encrypted communication platforms, synthetic media, drones, misinformation and cross-border networks to advance their activities, making the security situation increasingly complex.
He stressed that military operations alone could not defeat terrorism, calling for stronger intelligence sharing, financial investigations, law enforcement, rehabilitation programmes and community-based interventions.
Speaking virtually, Mohammed warned that terrorist groups were adopting emerging technologies faster than some institutions could respond. She called for responsible use of technology, stronger cooperation among governments and technology companies, and greater investment in education, employment and public services to address conditions that allow extremism to thrive.
The forum, hosted by the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to strengthen intelligence coordination and regional cooperation in combating terrorism across Africa.
