Now, Boko Haram members are hosting live TikTok shows, spreading propaganda, justifying their violence and threatening anyone who dares speak against them.
Jihadist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, are increasingly using TikTok to recruit followers and spread propaganda, according to a report by AFP. At least 19 accounts reviewed featured armed men, often posing with cash and weapons while preaching anti-Western ideologies.
Security analyst Bulama Bukarti noted, “Now, Boko Haram members are hosting live TikTok shows – spreading propaganda, justifying their violence and threatening anyone who dares speak against them.”
Live videos allow interaction with followers, while digital gifts received during streams are converted into cash. “Jihadists realised that to capture the minds of young people, they need to speak to them in the language they understand,” said former jihadist Saddiku Muhammad.
Analysts say the open display of identities signals confidence and defiance. Although TikTok has removed many such accounts, its live features pose monitoring challenges. The company says it partners with Tech Against Terrorism to detect extremist content and enforces strict community guidelines.