The United Nations has raised concern over the growing sophistication of terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria and across West Africa.
According to the global body, these groups are now utilizing drones, advanced communication tools, and cryptocurrencies to enhance their operations, making them more difficult to track and stop.
The warning comes at a time when security challenges continue to affect communities across the region. Moreover, the UN believes the changing tactics of armed groups are creating fresh threats to public safety while increasing pressure on governments and security agencies.
The latest assessment was presented during a United Nations Security Council briefing, where officials reviewed the political, security and humanitarian situation across West Africa and the Sahel.
The terrorism in northern Nigeria situation remains one of the biggest security concerns in the region. According to the UN, extremist groups are becoming more organised and are embracing modern technology to expand their reach.
Leonardo Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, delivered the briefing.
He also serves as the Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
The report covered developments recorded between November 29, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Furthermore, the Security Council meeting followed the extension of UNOWAS’ mandate until January 31, 2029.
Speaking during the session, Simão warned that terrorist organisations have significantly changed their methods.
According to him:
“Armed groups are increasingly using drones, sophisticated communications and cryptocurrencies while coordinating operations across borders.”
He explained that these groups now operate beyond national boundaries.
Moreover, their activities have become closely linked with organised crime across the region.
Simão further stated:
“The problem is acute, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria.”
He added:
“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.”
According to the report, Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso continue to experience repeated terrorist attacks.
Kidnappings and deadly assaults have also remained major security concerns.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian impact continues to worsen.
The UN disclosed that approximately 6.8 million people have been displaced across the region.
In addition, another 1.28 million people are currently refugees or asylum seekers.
Women, children and young people have been identified as the most affected groups.
However, humanitarian agencies continue to face challenges accessing vulnerable communities because of insecurity and limited funding.
Despite these concerns, the UN acknowledged positive efforts by regional governments.
One example is the reopening of the Kamba border crossing between Nigeria and Niger.
Furthermore, progress has been recorded by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission.
The commission continues implementing the 2002 International Court of Justice judgment on both countries’ land and maritime boundaries.
Commenting on these developments, Simão said:
“These are some examples of regional efforts towards dialogue.”
He also stressed that military action alone cannot completely eliminate terrorism.
Instead, governments should also tackle poverty, unemployment and other conditions that fuel violent extremism.
According to him:
“Fighting poverty and vulnerability must therefore remain a common objective in the broader fight against terrorism. Regional actors are working hard to find solutions.”
The UN also noted that ECOWAS is working towards activating its standby force.
However, funding challenges continue to slow down the process.
As terrorist groups continue adopting modern technology, governments across West Africa are expected to strengthen both security operations and long-term development strategies to protect communities.
