Senate Orders Security Agencies To Track, Arrest Bandits Flaunting Cash, Criminal Activities On TikTok

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate on Thursday directed security agencies to urgently track and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly display cash, publicise criminal activities and project their operations on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, amid growing concerns over the increasing audacity of criminal networks operating online.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, on the escalating wave of bandit attacks and terrorist incursions in Kogi West and other parts of the country.

During debate on the motion, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central raised alarm over what she described as the unchecked use of social media by criminal groups to flaunt proceeds of crime and gain public visibility.

She moved an additional prayer urging the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to monitor, track and apprehend individuals using digital platforms to promote criminal activities.

According to the senator, some bandits now openly operate social media accounts through which they display wealth allegedly obtained from criminal activities and even organise cash giveaways.

“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,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told lawmakers.

She questioned why security agencies had failed to act despite the apparent digital footprints left by the suspects.

“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 said.

The proposal was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District, and received overwhelming support from lawmakers across party lines.

Responding to the concerns, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio described the public display of cash and criminal activities by suspected bandits as a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian 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 warned that videos circulating online showing criminal elements displaying large sums of money and openly identifying themselves were undermining public confidence in the country’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,” the Senate President added.

Akpabio urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the issue as a matter of national urgency, stressing the need for stronger coordination and swift responses to online 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.

He further called for transparency from security agencies, saying Nigerians should be informed whenever arrests are made and prosecutions initiated.

“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 stated.