Author(s) :

IDISIRE JONATHAN TIKON.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

ABSTRACT The proliferation of social media has transformed the landscape of terrorism and counter-terrorism globally, providing both opportunities and challenges for security agencies. In North-East Nigeria, terrorist groups such as Boko Haram have extensively leveraged platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Telegram to disseminate propaganda, recruit members, and coordinate attacks, undermining conventional military efforts. This study examined the role of social media in enhancing counter-terrorism operations, with a particular focus on Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State. Guided by four objectives, the research explored patterns of terrorist social media use, assessed the extent of social media integration in Operation Hadin Kai, identified technological, institutional, legal, and ethical constraints, and proposed context-specific strategies for optimizing social media utilization. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining survey data from security personnel and stakeholders with Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to provide qualitative depth. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were analyzed through content analysis. Findings reveal that terrorists exploit social media for propaganda and recruitment, while Operation Hadin Kai has partially integrated digital tools for intelligence gathering, counter-narratives, and strategic communication. Challenges identified include inadequate personnel training, limited technological capacity, weak inter-agency coordination, legal restrictions, and ethical concerns. The study concludes that strategic, ethically grounded, and context-specific social media measures, including capacity building, technological investment, inter-agency collaboration, ethical guidelines, and community engagement, can significantly enhance non-kinetic counter-terrorism operations. The findings contribute to understanding how social media can complement kinetic strategies, strengthen intelligence-led operations, and foster resilience against radicalization, providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners in Nigeria and similar conflict-affected regions.

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