Ribadu Warns AI, Cryptocurrency Are Complicating Fight Against Terrorism

NSA calls for stronger cyber capabilities, intelligence sharing across West Africa and the Sahel

By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrencies and other emerging technologies are making the fight against terrorism more complex across West Africa and the Sahel.

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Ribadu raised the concern on Tuesday in Abuja during a three-day regional training conference, where he highlighted how terrorist groups exploit digital platforms to recruit members, spread propaganda, conceal funds and coordinate operations across national borders.

Represented by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, Ribadu said AI could enable terrorist groups to generate targeted propaganda rapidly, while drones and autonomous systems could expand their operational capabilities.

He also warned that virtual assets could create new channels for financing terrorist activities, making it more difficult for security agencies to trace funds and disrupt networks. He urged countries in the region to strengthen their ability to anticipate, detect, analyse and prevent threats before they materialise.

The NSA called for greater technical expertise, stronger security institutions and improved cross-border intelligence sharing among West African and Sahelian countries. He also stressed the need for the timely exchange of cyber threat information, noting that no single country or institution could defeat terrorism alone.

The conference brought together representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the Multinational Joint Task Force, regional intelligence bodies and international organisations to discuss responses to evolving security threats.