Insurgents in northeastern Nigeria are increasingly using TikTok to disseminate propaganda and recruit new fighters for their surging campaigns.
In April alone, attacks claimed at least 100 lives, with Borno’s governor stating the state is losing ground to armed groups.
Apparent insurgents openly display weapons and cash in TikTok videos, also broadcasting live with preachers of anti-Western ideologies, reminiscent of early Boko Haram videos.
Criminal gangs in Nigeria’s northwest previously used TikTok for their activities.
Analyst Bulama Bukarti noted the shift to Boko Haram members hosting live TikTok shows for propaganda and threats.
He himself was threatened in a now-deleted video. While TikTok removes some accounts, live streaming capabilities complicate monitoring efforts.
A TikTok spokesperson could not quantify removed terrorist-linked accounts, but some remain active.
TikTok asserts a zero-tolerance policy for violent extremism and claims partnership with UN-backed Tech Against Terrorism for better detection and removal.
AFP reviewed 19 accounts showing armed men dressed as clerics calling for violence and collaborating with weapon-displaying accounts.
They also post old footage of deceased insurgent leaders and interact live with followers for digital gifts convertible to cash.
The insurgency in Nigeria has killed over 40,000 and displaced millions.
Defected insurgent Saddiku Muhammad says the shift to TikTok is due to crackdowns on Telegram and the platform’s popularity with youth.
He believes this strategy of using relatable language is proving effective in recruitment.
Security analyst Malik Samuel sees this TikTok use as a direct challenge to the government, a tactic to show they are unafraid and real.
He notes that ISIS-West Africa still employs a more structured communication approach.
