Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to deploy digital intelligence and smart technologies to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Speaking at the ARISE News Town Hall on State Police in Abuja on Thursday, the senator said the increasing use of social media by suspected criminal groups should provide valuable intelligence for security agencies.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern over reports that suspected bandits recently used TikTok to livestream activities and allegedly distributed money to viewers, arguing that such online activities should be investigated using available digital evidence.
“I have consistently advocated the deployment of smart technologies to curb insecurity. It is alarming that some terrorists now engage the public through their social media handles,” she said.
She questioned why security agencies had not leveraged the available digital footprint to identify and investigate those allegedly involved in the reported livestream.
Supports state police with safeguards
The senator, who serves on the Constitution Review Committee, reaffirmed her support for the establishment of state police, describing decentralised policing as vital for improving intelligence gathering and strengthening community-based security.
However, she cautioned that any state police framework must include robust constitutional safeguards to prevent misuse by political office holders.
“My greatest concern is the abuse of state police by both state and national political actors,” she said.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan also raised concerns over the proposed recruitment, promotion, discipline and oversight mechanisms for state police officers.
She called for clear accountability structures to safeguard citizens’ rights, promote transparency and strengthen public confidence in the proposed policing system.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.