Social Media Show-Offs Targeted As Senate Moves Against Bandits On TikTok

The Senate on Thursday called on security agencies to step up surveillance and enforcement against bandits and terrorists who openly display their activities and alleged proceeds of crime on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, who raised concerns over the rising wave of bandit attacks and terrorist activities in Kogi West and other parts of the country.

Lawmakers expressed alarm over what they described as the increasing boldness of criminal groups operating openly on digital platforms.

During deliberations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, proposed an additional prayer urging the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC) and other security agencies to track, monitor, and arrest individuals using social media to promote or publicise criminal activities.

She noted that criminal groups were increasingly using online platforms to flaunt wealth, demonstrate influence, and share money suspected to be proceeds of crime.

“Bandits and terrorists carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway of over ₦100 million within 30 minutes on TikTok,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why such online activities had not led to arrests, urging the Cybercrime Centre and police authorities to take decisive action.

The additional prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu and received broad support from lawmakers.

Akpabio Calls for Action

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the trend as a direct challenge to state authority, warning that it undermines public confidence in security institutions.

He urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to track and apprehend those involved.

“This is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all. The DSS should be able to track their movements and arrest them,” he said.

Akpabio also warned that the circulation of videos showcasing cash and criminal lifestyles on social media was eroding trust in government security efforts.

He called for tighter control and monitoring of online spaces, describing the development as a growing national security threat.

“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. Showing off cash and criminal activities is a way of challenging the government,” he added.

The Senate President urged stronger coordination among security agencies and emphasized the need for intelligence gathered from online platforms to be acted upon swiftly.

He further directed that updates on arrests and prosecutions should be communicated to the Senate and the public to ensure accountability and reassure Nigerians that offenders are being brought to justice.