The Senate on Thursday urged 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 followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) on the escalating wave of banditry and terrorist attacks in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
During the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) introduced an additional prayer calling on the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to monitor, track, and apprehend individuals using social media to publicise criminal operations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern over what she described as the growing audacity of criminal groups, noting that many now openly showcase their activities online while flaunting wealth believed to have been acquired through illegal means.
According to her, some bandits recently distributed more than ₦100 million through social media giveaways.
“Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100 million within 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok,” she said.
The senator questioned why security agencies had been unable to identify and arrest individuals who openly broadcast their 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.
The prayer, seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), received widespread support from lawmakers across party lines.
Responding, Senate President described the actions of the suspected criminals as a blatant challenge to the authority of the state.
He said security agencies, including the Department of State Services, should be capable of tracing and apprehending those openly displaying illicit wealth and criminal activities online.
“This is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio stated.
He argued that videos showing criminals displaying cash and boasting about their activities were intended to undermine public confidence in government institutions and the country’s security architecture.
“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 issue as a matter of national importance and improve coordination in responding to online intelligence.
He further called for regular updates on arrests and prosecutions to assure Nigerians that criminal elements operating openly online are being brought to justice.
“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,” the Senate President added.
The Senate’s resolution reflects growing concern among lawmakers over the use of social media platforms by criminal groups to publicise their activities and project influence while evading law enforcement.
