The Nigerian Senate has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track and apprehend bandits and terrorists who openly flaunt their criminal activities on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. This directive came during a plenary session on Thursday, June 11, following a motion on the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks in northcentral Nigeria and other regions.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Raises Concerns
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, raised the alarm during the debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West). She proposed an additional prayer mandating the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and other relevant security agencies to monitor, track, and arrest criminals who openly operate on social media.
Akpoti-Uduaghan lamented that bandits and terrorists have become increasingly emboldened, using social media platforms to showcase their activities and distribute money publicly. She cited an incident where criminal elements conducted a giveaway on TikTok, allegedly distributing over N100 million within 30 minutes.
She stated: "Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities stream them live on their social media handles. Two days ago on TikTok, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok."
Call for Action Against Digital Impunity
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why security agencies have failed to exploit digital footprints to identify and arrest those involved. She added: "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."
The prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) and received overwhelming support from lawmakers.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio Orders Urgent Measures
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the public display of criminal activities on social media as a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian state. He said: "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 argued that the open display of cash and criminal exploits online is intended to ridicule government authority and weaken public confidence in security institutions. He stated: "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 government."
He urged security agencies and intelligence chiefs to treat the matter as a major national security concern requiring urgent attention. Akpabio added: "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."
Accountability and Reporting
Akpabio stressed the need for accountability and feedback from security agencies after arrests are made. He said: "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 resolution forms part of the Senate's broader efforts to tackle worsening insecurity in Kogi State and across Nigeria. Lawmakers renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance, and coordinated operations against criminal groups.
