Federal Govt Exposes How Terrorists Use PoS Operators to Transfer Ransom Payments
Ademola Busayo 
The Federal Government has raised serious concerns over new methods being adopted by terrorists to collect ransom payments in Nigeria.
Authorities say criminal groups now rely on Point of Sale (PoS) operators to receive and move ransom funds, making tracking and interception more difficult for security agencies.
The warning was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka.
He spoke during the Centre’s 2025 end-of-year press briefing, where he outlined emerging threats linked to terrorism financing across the country.
According to Laka, ransom payments remain a major source of funding for terrorist groups. He explained that kidnappers now provide victims’ families with PoS account details. Once money is transferred, the operators release cash to the criminals, allowing them to avoid direct banking channels.
“You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a PoS operator. The kidnappers give out the PoS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he said.
He noted that this practice has complicated investigations, as funds are quickly withdrawn before authorities can trace their final destination.
Despite this challenge, Laka said security agencies have strengthened efforts to monitor suspicious transactions and identify individuals involved in ransom processing.
The NCTC boss revealed that several arrests have been made in connection with terrorism financing and ransom payments. He added that prosecutions are ongoing, although specific operational details were withheld for security reasons.
Laka also disclosed that Nigeria is working to meet international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations. He said asset seizures and financial recoveries linked to terror networks are part of these efforts.
Beyond financial channels, the Federal Government also expressed concern over the use of social media by terrorists.
Laka listed platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X as tools used to promote attacks, display looted items and communicate with supporters.
He explained that Nigerian security agencies are engaging directly with social media companies to identify and remove accounts linked to terrorism.
According to him, while these platforms focus on business growth, authorities continue to stress the national security risks posed by certain content.
“These platforms are businesses and are interested in growing their user base, but we engage them and explain the implications of certain posts on national security, and we take them down,” Laka said.
He added that terrorist groups constantly change tactics, including the use of aliases and unverified accounts, forcing security agencies to adapt their strategies regularly.
The NCTC operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser and coordinates national efforts against terrorism.
About the Author
Ayo Marvel 
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 