The United Nations (UN) has raised alarm over the increasing use of drones, sophisticated communication technologies and cryptocurrencies by terror groups operating in Northern Nigeria and the West Africa and Sahel region, warning that the evolving tactics are making the groups difficult to combat. Africans & Diaspora
The warning came from Leonardo Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), while briefing the UN Security Council, reports The Guardian.
The Security Council considered the political, security and humanitarian situation in West Africa and the Sahel, with Simão briefing on the Secretary-General’s most recent report covering the period from 29 November 2025 to 30 June 2026.
The briefing followed the council’s decision to extend the mandate of UNOWAS until January 31, 2029.
“Today, terrorist organisations are quickly adapting their methods by using modern technologies and increasing cross-border co-ordination,” Simão said.
“Armed groups are increasingly using drones, sophisticated communications and cryptocurrencies while coordinating operations across borders,” he warned.
“The activities of these groups have become inextricably linked to transnational organised crime, which has enabled them to consolidate their territorial and economic control and to erode public confidence in state institutions,” he said.
“The problem is acute especially in the central Sahel and Northern Nigeria,” Simão stated. “Their actions intersect with transnational organised crime and are aimed at consolidating territorial and economic control, eroding public confidence in state authority, with serious consequences for social cohesion.” Africans and the Diaspora
The UN official identified Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso as countries continuing to suffer persistent terrorist attacks, kidnappings and heavy civilian casualties. He said some 6.8 million people have been displaced across the region due to increased insecurity, and 1.28 million have become refugees or asylum seekers.
“The humanitarian crisis continues to affect women, children and young people the most,” Simão said, saying that insecurity and a lack of financing have severely hampered humanitarian access to vulnerable communities.
He said that, despite the worsening security situation, regional attempts for cooperation continue, including the reopening of the Kamba border crossing between Nigeria and Niger.
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