How terrorists exploit AI, cryptocurrency to fund operations – Ribadu

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrencies and other emerging technologies by terrorist groups is complicating efforts to combat insecurity in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Ribadu said extremist groups were exploiting digital platforms to recruit members, spread propaganda, move funds and coordinate operations across national borders.

He made the remarks in Abuja on Tuesday during a three-day regional training conference focused on counterterrorism and security cooperation.

The NSA, who was represented at the event by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, said technological advances had introduced new challenges that security agencies must address to prevent attacks.

According to him, AI-generated content, drones and virtual assets are expanding the methods available to terrorist organisations, making it necessary for security institutions to strengthen their technical capabilities.

Ribadu explained that artificial intelligence could enable terrorist groups to produce targeted content rapidly, while drones and autonomous systems could increase their operational capabilities.

He also warned that virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies, could provide additional channels for terrorist financing, creating difficulties for authorities attempting to track suspicious transactions.

“Emerging technologies add further complexity: Artificial Intelligence can rapidly produce personalised content; drones and autonomous systems can expand operational capabilities; and virtual assets can create new financing channels,” he said.

The NSA stressed that security agencies must improve their capacity to identify emerging threats, analyse digital evidence and disrupt terrorist activities before they result in attacks.

He added that keeping pace with technological developments was essential to strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Ribadu Calls For Stronger Regional Security Cooperation

Beyond technological preparedness, Ribadu emphasised the importance of collaboration among security agencies and governments across West Africa and the Sahel.

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He called for improved intelligence sharing, stronger institutional capacity and faster exchanges of information on cyber threats to enable countries to respond more effectively to cross-border security challenges.

According to him, the interconnected nature of terrorist networks means that individual countries cannot successfully tackle the threat without cooperation from their neighbours and international partners.

“Nigeria recognises that no institution, country or sector can defeat terrorism alone,” he said.

The three-day conference brought together security and counterterrorism stakeholders from West Africa and the Sahel to discuss emerging threats and approaches to strengthening regional responses.

Participants included representatives of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Multinational Joint Task Force, regional intelligence structures and international organisations.