The Nigerian Senate has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to identify, track and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly showcase their criminal activities and illicit wealth on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
The resolution was reached during plenary on Thursday following a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District. The motion focused on the escalating insecurity and bandit attacks in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
During the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central raised concerns over the increasing use of social media by criminal groups to display their operations, influence and financial gains.
According to her, some suspected bandits have become emboldened enough to conduct public cash giveaways online.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why security agencies had not been able to track and apprehend individuals openly publicising criminal activities online.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she added.
Her proposal, seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu, received overwhelming support from members of the Senate.
Responding to the concerns raised by lawmakers, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the actions of the suspected criminals as a blatant display of impunity and 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 stated.
He warned that videos showing suspected criminals displaying large sums of money and boasting about their activities could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
“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 said.
Akpabio urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the development as a serious national security threat and improve collaboration in gathering and acting on digital intelligence.
“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge. 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 said.
The Senate President also called for greater transparency from security agencies whenever 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,” Akpabio added.
The Senate’s resolution reflects growing concern among lawmakers over the use of social media platforms by criminal elements to publicise their activities and expand their influence, amid ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the country. :::
