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The Nigerian Senate has called on security agencies to harness digital technology in tracking and apprehending bandits and terrorists who openly display their activities and illicit wealth on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
This resolution followed the adoption of an additional prayer moved by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), which addressed the rising wave of attacks in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
Akpoti-Uduaghan specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and other security agencies to intensify surveillance of social media platforms to identify, track, and arrest criminals who publicize their operations online.
According to her, the increasing boldness of bandits and terrorists is evident in their use of social media to flaunt criminal activities and distribute proceeds of crime.
“Bandits and terrorists now openly operate on social media. Just two days ago, they reportedly conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100 million within 30 minutes via their TikTok handles,” she said.
The lawmaker questioned the apparent inability of security agencies to utilize digital footprints left by such individuals to apprehend them.
“I wonder why the cybercrime unit and the police generally cannot track these activities and arrest those responsible, despite their visibility online,” she added.
Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) seconded the motion.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the proposal, describing the online display of criminal activities as a direct affront to state authority.
“The Department of State Services should be able to track and arrest these individuals. This is clear impunity, as though there is no law,” Akpabio stated.
He further emphasized that such actions undermine public confidence in government institutions and security agencies.
“The act of displaying cash and criminal exploits online is a deliberate attempt to challenge the authority of the state,” he said.
Akpabio urged security and intelligence agencies to treat the issue as a matter of urgent national concern, adding that the Senate expects accountability following any arrests.
“Once these individuals are apprehended, the public must be informed. Nigerians need to see that those who boldly commit crimes online are brought to justice,” he added.
The Senate subsequently adopted the prayer as part of its resolutions on the motion.
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