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By Jos Events

TikTok users in parts of Northern Nigeria are reporting persistent difficulties accessing the popular social media platform, with many turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to restore access.

The disruption has been reported particularly in Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto, where users say the TikTok application has become difficult or impossible to use through regular internet connections. Reports indicate that the problem began around September 11–14, 2026, although the exact timing appears to vary from one location to another. 

Affected users have described several problems, including videos failing to load, feeds freezing while scrolling, difficulty refreshing content and uploads repeatedly stalling. Some users have also reported difficulties accessing TikTok through mobile browsers.

In several cases, users said the platform became accessible after activating a VPN, which changes the route through which their internet traffic reaches TikTok. However, the fact that TikTok works through a VPN does not by itself prove that the platform has been deliberately blocked by the government or telecommunications companies. 

No Official Suspension Confirmed

Despite growing reports from users, there has been no official public confirmation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecommunications operators, the Federal Government, TikTok, or the governments of the affected states that TikTok has been officially banned or suspended.

The cause of the disruption therefore remains unclear.

Possible explanations mentioned in reports include a technical problem, network-routing issue, traffic-management measure or deliberate network-level restriction. None of these explanations has been officially established. 

What About Plateau State?

For users in Plateau State, including Jos, reports currently available do not provide sufficient evidence to confirm that the same disruption is affecting the entire state.

However, as TikTok remains an important platform for entertainment, news, content creation, advertising and business promotion in Jos and across Plateau State, any prolonged access problem could affect creators, event promoters, businesses and other users who depend on the platform to reach their audiences.

TikTok is particularly significant for small businesses and content creators who use short-form videos to promote products, services, events, music, tourism and other activities.

Users in Jos and other parts of Plateau State are therefore encouraged to share their experiences, including their network provider and whether TikTok works normally, intermittently or only when connected through a VPN.

George Ilenikhena and Akor Adams both missed training on Sunday, raising doubts over their availability for the match in Bissau.

The two strikers featured in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Madagascar last week but failed to finish the game. Adams was substituted after just over an hour, while Ilenikhena was taken off in the 69th minute.

Their latest injury concerns come at a difficult time for Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen already missing out of the squad through injury.

Coach Eric Chelle, however, still has other options in attack. Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare both came off the bench against Madagascar and could be handed starting roles if Ilenikhena and Adams are unavailable.

Moses Usor is also pushing for a place in the starting XI after scoring off the bench against Madagascar.

Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are expected to continue in midfield, while Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze could provide attacking support from the flanks.

Stanley Nwabili is expected to keep his place in goal, with Arthur Okonkwo still waiting for his Nigeria debut.

Chelle could also make changes to the defence after most of his defenders played almost the entire game against Madagascar. Bright Osayi-Samuel could come into the starting XI to provide fresh legs.

Predicted Nigeria XI vs Guinea-Bissau

Nwabili; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman; Awoniyi, Arokodare.