ABUJA, Nigeria – The European Union (EU) has launched a new initiative with Nigeria to combat terrorism fuelled by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and encrypted platforms.
The partnership, unveiled during a high-level workshop in Abuja on Wednesday under the EU-funded CT TECH+ programme, was developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism (UNOCT) and INTERPOL.
EU Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Zissimos Vergos, said the bloc is committed to helping Nigeria fight tech-driven extremism while protecting human rights.
“The EU is steadfast in its support for Nigeria as it confronts the complex challenge of tech-driven terrorism,” Vergos said. “We must ensure our efforts to secure cyberspace do not compromise human rights.”
Security experts, policymakers, and law enforcement officials discussed strategies, including intelligence-sharing, law enforcement training, and ethical use of technology.
A UNOCT representative noted: “Technology is a double-edged sword. We must wield it responsibly to protect lives and uphold justice.”
The move comes amid growing use of AI, dark web platforms, and encrypted apps by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other extremist groups in Nigeria.
