July 25, 2025
A retired Nigerian military officer, General Anthony Atolagbe, has explained how some terrorist groups attempt to avoid detection by security agencies through the use of advanced communication technology.
Atolagbe, a former Sector Commander of Operation Safe Haven, disclosed during an interview on Arise TV that the Nigerian military has electronic warfare units responsible for disrupting terrorists’ communication networks by jamming signals and intercepting radio transmissions.
According to the retired general, some recently arrested Boko Haram suspects were found with Starlink devices, which he alleged were being used to bypass traditional communication channels targeted by military electronic warfare systems.
“In the theater we have some sections of electronic warfare team who are supposed to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum, to make sure that communication is jammed, you are able to intercept their radios. But then you saw recently they arrested some of them (Boko Haram) and found Starlink with them. That Starlink is to evade the regular communication which can be jammed by our own jammers,” Atolagbe said.
He explained that while security agencies continue to deploy technology to track and disrupt terrorist networks, armed groups are also adopting new methods to improve their communication and avoid surveillance.
The retired general’s comments come amid ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to combat terrorism and improve intelligence gathering across the country.
