By Sabiu Abdullahi
The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns over the growing sophistication of terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel. The organisation said the groups now rely on drones, advanced communication technology and cryptocurrencies to strengthen their activities.
The warning came during a briefing to the UN Security Council by Leonardo Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, who also heads the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
Simão presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on developments in the region. The report covered the period from November 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The briefing took place as the Security Council reviewed the political, security and humanitarian situation across West Africa and the Sahel. It also followed the council’s decision to extend the mandate of UNOWAS until January 31, 2029.
According to Simão, terrorist groups have continued to improve their methods, which has made them more difficult to defeat.
“Armed groups are increasingly using drones, sophisticated communications and cryptocurrencies while coordinating operations across borders,” he said.
He noted that the activities of the groups are now closely linked with transnational organised crime. He said their objective is to gain territorial and economic control while undermining public confidence in state institutions.
“The problem is acute, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria,” he said.
“Their actions intersect with transnational organised crime, and are aimed at consolidating territorial and economic control, erosion of public confidence in state authority, with serious damage to social cohesion.”
Simão also stated that Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso continue to suffer terrorist attacks, kidnappings and heavy civilian casualties.
He disclosed that about 6.8 million people have been displaced across the region, while another 1.28 million people are now refugees or asylum seekers. He added that women, children and young people remain the most affected because insecurity and inadequate funding have restricted humanitarian operations.
Despite the security challenges, Simão acknowledged some positive developments. He cited the reopening of the Kamba border crossing between Nigeria and Niger. He also referred to progress by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission in implementing the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the two countries’ land and maritime boundary.
“These are some examples of regional efforts towards dialogue,” he said.
The UN official stressed that military action alone would not end terrorism. He urged governments across the region to address poverty and other socio-economic conditions that fuel violent extremism.
“Fighting poverty and vulnerability must therefore remain a common objective in the broader fight against terrorism. Regional actors are working hard to find solutions,” he said.
Simão also revealed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed efforts to operationalise its standby force, although funding constraints remain a major obstacle.
