The Senate has directed security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to identify, track and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly display their activities and proceeds of crime on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, on the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks in parts of Kogi State and other areas of the country.
During debate on the motion, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District called for an additional prayer urging the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant agencies to monitor and apprehend individuals using social media to publicise criminal acts.
She expressed concern over what she described as the growing boldness of criminal groups, alleging that some now openly showcase their activities and earnings online.
She said: “Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100m within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok.”
The senator questioned why security agencies had not been able to arrest individuals who allegedly maintain visible online identities while engaging in criminal activity.
“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 stated.
The proposal was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial District and adopted by the chamber.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the sitting, described the development as a disturbing show of impunity and urged security agencies to act decisively.
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.”
He noted that videos circulating online showing suspected criminals displaying cash and boasting of their activities amounted to a challenge to state authority.
“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 added.
Akpabio called for improved coordination among security agencies and stronger use of intelligence gathered from online platforms.
“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 also stressed the importance of transparency in enforcement actions.
“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 stated.
The Senate thereafter adopted the motion and urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement actions against criminal groups using social media to publicise their operations and illicit earnings.
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