Terrorists in Nigeria are now using drones, crypto and modern technology in their operations, the UN warns

The United Nations (UN) has warned that terrorist groups in northern Nigeria, across West Africa and the Sahel region are increasingly sophisticated, and adopting the use of modern technology in their criminal operations.

Leonardo Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), told the UN Security Council that terror groups are now deploying drones and adopting advanced communications technology and cryptocurrencies.

According to him, these developing tactics make the group more difficult to track or fight.

Simão presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on developments in West Africa and the Sahel, covering the period from 29 November 2025 to 30 June 2026, when the Security Council reviewed the political, security and humanitarian situation in the region.

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The briefing follows the council’s decision to extend UNOWAS’ mandate until 31 January 2029.

According to Simão, terrorist organizations are rapidly adapting their methods by using modern technology and expanding cross-border coordination.

“Armed groups are increasingly using drones, advanced communications and cryptocurrencies while coordinating cross-border operations,” he said.

He noted that the activities of these groups are closely linked to transnational organized crime, allowing them to consolidate territorial and economic control, while undermining public trust in state institutions.

Simão said: “The problem is acute, especially in the central Sahel and Northern Nigeria. Their actions intersect with transnational organized crime and aim to consolidate territorial and economic control, erode public trust in state authorities, and have serious consequences for social cohesion.”

The UN official identified Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso as countries that continue to experience terrorist attacks, kidnappings and large numbers of civilian casualties. He revealed that worsening insecurity has caused around 6.8 million people across the region to become refugees, while another 1.28 million people have become refugees or asylum seekers.

Simão said women, children and young people remain the groups most affected by this humanitarian crisis, and stressed that insecurity and lack of funding have significantly limited humanitarian access to vulnerable communities.

Despite deteriorating security conditions, he acknowledged ongoing regional cooperation efforts, including the reopening of the Kamba border between Nigeria and Niger.