The Senate has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly display their criminal activities and proceeds on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
The resolution was passed on Thursday during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who raised concerns over the increasing wave of bandit attacks and terrorist activities in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
The issue took a new turn when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan called the attention of lawmakers to the growing trend of criminal groups using social media to showcase their operations, display large sums of money and, in some cases, organise online cash giveaways.
According to the Kogi Central lawmaker, some bandits recently distributed more than ₦100 million through social media giveaways in less than 30 minutes.
“Bandits and terrorists now operate openly on their social media handles. Just two days ago, they carried out a giveaway, distributing over ₦100 million within 30 minutes through platforms like TikTok,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why security agencies, particularly units responsible for cybercrime investigations, had failed to trace and apprehend individuals who openly advertise criminal activities online.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are operating publicly on social media. I therefore urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she added.
Her proposal received widespread support from lawmakers and was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West.
Reacting to the development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the situation as a disturbing display of impunity and a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian state.
“The Department of State Services and other security agencies should be able to track these individuals and arrest them. This is a clear show of impunity, as though there is no law in the country,” Akpabio said.
He warned that the public display of money and criminal exploits on social media was an attempt to mock government institutions and weaken public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. Displaying themselves, showing off cash and openly celebrating criminal activities is a way of challenging the government,” he stated.
The Senate President urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the issue as a matter of urgent national importance, stressing the need for improved coordination and swift action.
“I want the heads of our security services to see this as a major challenge. Whenever such content is discovered, it should be brought to the attention of the Senate, and we will invite the relevant authorities to explain why those responsible have not been arrested,” he said.
Akpabio also called for transparency from security agencies, urging them to keep Nigerians informed whenever arrests are made.
“If they are apprehended, the public should also be informed so Nigerians can see that those who openly commit crimes and display themselves online are being arrested and prosecuted,” he added.
The Senate’s resolution comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media by criminal groups to spread propaganda, recruit followers and project influence while operating largely without fear of arrest. :::
