Boko Haram Turns to TikTok to Spread Propaganda as Violence Surges in Nigeria

Editorial: reda El ghazal

Boko Haram and its ISIS-linked faction, known as ISWAP, are exploiting TikTok’s popularity among young users in Nigeria and the Sahel to amplify their extremist propaganda. Recent months have seen a spike in live streams and videos featuring militants flaunting weapons, handing out cash, and showcasing commanders from North Africa and the Sahel. These efforts aim to glorify their activities and recruit new members. Analysts warn that the group’s reliance on TikTok’s live-streaming feature complicates content moderation, enabling real-time spread of extremist messaging despite efforts to report and remove such material.

Counterterrorism experts, including Bulama Bukarti, raise alarms over Boko Haram’s evolving social media tactics. The group now hosts live sessions in Hausa to justify violence, interact with viewers, and even target critics. In one instance, militants posted a 10-minute video directly rebutting Bukarti’s analysis. These digital campaigns coincide with Nigerian lawmakers’ reports of rising military and civilian casualties in Borno State, highlighting the dangerous link between online radicalization and real-world attacks.

Investigations show that Boko Haram-linked accounts often recycle old footage, such as speeches by late founder Mohammed Yusuf and cleric Isa Garo, to legitimize their ideology. The group also capitalizes on TikTok’s monetization tools, converting viewer “gifts” into funding. A former militant revealed that the shift to TikTok followed crackdowns on platforms like Telegram, showcasing the group’s adaptability in targeting tech-savvy youth with visually engaging content.

While TikTok claims a zero-tolerance stance on extremism, analysts cite persistent gaps in curbing live-streamed propaganda. An AFP investigation identified 19 active accounts promoting anti-Western rhetoric and collaborating with profiles displaying weapons. Though TikTok has removed some accounts, its transparency about takedowns remains limited. Security sources stress that the platform’s algorithm and live features pose significant challenges, allowing Boko Haram to maintain its digital presence despite global counterterrorism efforts.