FG monitors Facebook and Twitter users to fight terrorism

To further fight Boko Haram and tackle terrorism, the Federal Government has been reportedly monitoring the social media accounts of Nigerians who are suspected of having links with various terrorist groups.

The report by The Punch revealed that through covert operations, which have been going on for a while, security agencies hack into the Facebook and Twitter accounts of personalities that are been monitored by the Federal Government.

The project, which is costing the country millions of dollars and is being managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser, is meant to frustrate terrorist attacks on the country.

It was further revealed that the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the request by security agencies to spy on targeted sections of the population, mainly religious extremists and radicalised individuals.

It was gathered that the project is being coordinated by some foreign firms, including an Israeli firm, Elbit System.

Our correspondent learnt that the local espionage involves hacking of phones, email accounts, social media accounts and bugging of telephone conversations of persons of interest.