FG Raises Alarm as It Reveals How Terrorists Use PoS Operators to Collect Ransom in Nigeria
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The Federal Government has raised fresh concerns over evolving methods being used by terrorist groups to collect ransom payments in Nigeria, warning that criminal networks are increasingly exploiting Point of Sale (PoS) operators to receive and move illicit funds.
Security authorities say the development has complicated efforts to trace ransom payments and dismantle terrorism financing networks, as funds are quickly withdrawn and dispersed outside conventional banking channels.
Ejes Gist News reports that the warning was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, during the Centre’s 2025 end-of-year press briefing.
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Terrorists Shift to PoS Channels for Ransom Payments
Major General Laka disclosed that ransom payments remain a major source of funding for terrorist and kidnapping groups operating across the country.
According to him, criminals now provide victims’ families with PoS-linked account details rather than personal bank accounts. Once funds are transferred, PoS operators release the cash directly to the criminals.
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“You see a transfer made by terrorists, 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 to collect it,” Laka said.
He explained that this method enables criminals to avoid direct interaction with formal banking systems, thereby reducing the chances of detection by financial intelligence units.
Challenges for Security and Financial Investigations
The NCTC Director-General noted that the rapid withdrawal of funds by PoS operators poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies.
He said security agencies often discover that money has already been converted to cash before investigators can trace its movement or identify the final beneficiaries.
According to Laka, this practice has created additional layers of anonymity for terrorist financiers and their collaborators, making financial tracking more complex and time-sensitive.
Despite the challenges, he said Nigerian security agencies have intensified surveillance of suspicious financial activities linked to kidnapping and terrorism.
Arrests and Ongoing Prosecutions
Laka revealed that several individuals have been arrested in connection with terrorism financing and ransom payment facilitation.
He confirmed that prosecutions are currently ongoing, although he declined to provide specific operational details, citing security considerations.
Key actions taken by authorities include:
- Identification of PoS operators linked to suspicious ransom-related transactions
- Collaboration between security agencies and financial intelligence units
- Monitoring of abnormal transaction patterns in high-risk areas
He stressed that individuals found aiding or facilitating ransom payments for terrorist groups would face the full weight of the law.
Nigeria’s International Counter-Terrorism Financing Commitments
The NCTC boss said Nigeria is working to meet international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) obligations.
He disclosed that asset seizures and financial recoveries linked to terror networks form part of the country’s broader strategy to disrupt terrorist operations.
According to him, these measures align with Nigeria’s commitments to global frameworks aimed at curbing illicit financial flows and terrorism financing.
He added that improved coordination among domestic agencies has strengthened Nigeria’s compliance posture and operational capacity.
Growing Use of Social Media by Terrorist Groups
Beyond financial channels, the Federal Government also expressed concern over the increasing use of social media platforms by terrorist groups.
Laka listed platforms such as:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- X (formerly Twitter)
He said these platforms are used to promote attacks, display looted items, intimidate communities, and communicate with supporters.
According to him, such online activities contribute to radicalisation, propaganda dissemination, and recruitment efforts.
Engagement With Social Media Companies
Laka disclosed that Nigerian security agencies are engaging directly with social media companies to identify and remove accounts linked to terrorism.
He explained that while social media platforms are primarily driven by business and user growth, authorities continue to highlight the national security risks posed by certain content.
“These platforms are businesses and are interested in growing their user base, but we engage them and explain the implications of certain posts on national security, and we take them down,” he said.
He added that cooperation with technology companies has led to the takedown of several accounts and pages associated with extremist activities.
Constantly Evolving Terrorist Tactics
According to the NCTC Director-General, terrorist groups frequently change tactics to evade detection.
He said these tactics include:
- Use of aliases and false identities
- Creation of multiple unverified social media accounts
- Rapid switching of financial channels and intermediaries
He noted that these developments require security agencies to continuously adapt their strategies and operational tools.
Role of the National Counter Terrorism Centre
The National Counter Terrorism Centre operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
It is responsible for coordinating national efforts against terrorism, including intelligence sharing, operational planning, and policy implementation.
Laka said the Centre remains committed to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and improving Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emerging terrorism threats.
He stressed that addressing terrorism financing, including the misuse of PoS operators and digital platforms, remains a critical priority for national security agencies.
