Boko Haram has begun using TikTok to spread its extremist ideology and is now operating unmanned drones for surveillance, according to security analyst Bulama Bukarti.
Bukarti, a senior fellow at the Extremism Policy Unit of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, issued the warning during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.
His comments follow recent concerns from Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South, who revealed that the state has lost 100 soldiers and 280 civilians to Boko Haram attacks within the past six months.
Bukarti, who has studied the terrorist group extensively, said Boko Haram is now actively using social media to promote its views.
“On TikTok, Boko Haram members are hosting live broadcasts to justify their violent actions, particularly in Hausa.
They engage directly with viewers, taking questions and responding to comments,” he said.
He also noted that a Boko Haram supporter recently posted a 10-minute video attacking him for criticizing the group’s growing violence.
Beyond their media presence, Bukarti revealed that Boko Haram is now using unmanned drones to monitor military installations in Nigeria’s northeast.
“In the past three months alone, there have been over seven coordinated attacks on military super camps.
In places like Sabon Gari, they overran the camps, killed or captured soldiers, and looted weapons, supplies, and equipment before retreating into the bush,” he said.