By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate on Thursday directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track, identify and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly flaunt their activities and wealth on social media platforms, warning that the growing trend represents a grave threat to national security and the authority of the Nigerian state.
The resolution followed concerns raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) during debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) over the worsening security situation in Kogi West Senatorial District and other parts of the country.
Akpoti-Uduaghan told lawmakers that criminal groups had become increasingly emboldened, openly operating on social media platforms and showcasing proceeds of crime without fear of arrest.
She alleged that suspected bandits recently conducted a giveaway on TikTok, distributing more than N100 million within 30 minutes through their social media accounts.
According to her, such activities provide security agencies with sufficient digital evidence and intelligence leads to identify and apprehend those involved.
The lawmaker urged the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to step up surveillance of social media platforms and ensure the arrest and prosecution of criminals who openly advertise their activities online.
She said, “Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago on TikTok, bandits held a giveaway, distributing over N100 million in 30 minutes via their social media handles.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media.”
Her proposal received overwhelming support from lawmakers and was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West).
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the public display of criminal exploits and huge sums of cash on social media as an unacceptable act of defiance against government authority.
He said security and intelligence agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), should be able to track and arrest those responsible.
“The DSS 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 said.
The Senate President noted that the online display of cash and criminal activities was intended to ridicule government efforts and erode public confidence in security institutions.
“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 added.
Akpabio urged all heads of security agencies to regard the issue as a major national security concern and take immediate action against those involved.
He further stated that the Senate would demand explanations from the relevant authorities whenever such individuals were not apprehended despite their identities being publicly revealed online.
