The Nigerian Senate has directed security agencies to identify, track and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly display their criminal activities and proceeds on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
The resolution followed deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, on the recurring attacks by bandits and terrorists in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
During the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, proposed an additional prayer urging the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and other security agencies to intensify surveillance of social media platforms and apprehend criminals using them to publicise their activities.
‘Bandits Conducted N100m Giveaway on TikTok’
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern over what she described as the growing boldness of criminal groups, noting that some now openly showcase their operations online.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok,” she said.
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The senator questioned why security agencies had not taken advantage of the digital footprints left behind by such individuals to track and arrest them.
“I wonder why the cybercrime unit and the police force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media,” she said.
“Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she added.
The proposal was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West senatorial district.
Akpabio: Criminals Are Challenging Government Authority
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the motion, describing the public display of criminal activities and wealth on social media as a direct challenge to the authority of the state.
“The Department of State Services should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.
He argued that the online display of cash and criminal exploits was aimed at undermining public confidence in government institutions and security agencies.
“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging the government,” he added.
Demand for Accountability
Akpabio called on intelligence and security agencies to treat the issue as a major national security threat and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge,” he said.
“Whenever anybody finds such content, bring it to the attention of the senate, and we shall invite the relevant federal authorities to explain why those people have not been apprehended,” he stressed.
The Senate President also stressed the need for transparency after arrests are made.
“If they are apprehended, they should also report back so that Nigerians can know that those who openly show their faces while committing crimes are being arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Senate Adopts Resolution.
Following the debate, the Senate unanimously adopted the prayer as part of its resolutions on the motion addressing insecurity and banditry across the country.
The resolution mandates relevant security agencies to monitor social media platforms more closely and take swift action against criminals who use the platforms to publicise their activities.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.