Combating Terrorism with Cybersecurity: The Nigerian Perspective

Abstract

Recently, terrorism has become one of the biggest threats to the survival of mankind on the planet. Nigeria has had her own share of the effects of this menace. It is evidently a challenge to national security, a sure enemy to national development. No doubt, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has pervaded every facet of human endeavour, and terrorist groups too are taking advantage of its potentials to recruit, propagate their propaganda, train its members, communicate and conspire, and even to raise money. In this paper, we sought to highlight cyber tools and techniques used by terrorists in Nigeria in their activities, assess the government’s response so far and capacity in tackling terrorism, and proffer recommendations that can help mitigate the menace. It was found out that the cyberspace could fast become the biggest promoter of terrorism in Nigeria, and unfortunately, the government does not possess the necessary cyber-capabilities to tackle this in the country. To forestall this, we highlight the need to view the security of the country’s cyberspace as the trigger point in developing effective anti- and counter-terrorism strategies, and consequently, put necessary cybersecurity measures in place to this effect.