The Nigerian Senate has called for a coordinated crackdown on bandits and terrorists who openly display proceeds of crime and publicise their activities on social media platforms.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, on the increasing wave of bandit attacks and terrorist activities in Kogi State and other parts of Nigeria.
During deliberations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan introduced an additional prayer urging the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other security agencies to track, monitor and arrest individuals using digital platforms to promote criminal activities.
Natasha raises alarm over Bandits’ online activities
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern that criminal groups were increasingly using social media platforms to project influence, display wealth and engage with followers.
According to her, some bandits now openly conduct financial giveaways and post videos of their activities online.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles.”
“Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100m within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok,” Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
The senator questioned why security agencies had not been able to identify and apprehend suspects despite their visible online presence.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Nigeria 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 proposal was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu and received broad support from lawmakers.
Akpabio describes actions as ‘show of impunity’
Responding to the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the conduct of the suspects as a direct challenge to state authority.
“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,” Mr Akpabio said.
He warned that videos showing criminal activities, cash displays and online giveaways undermine public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
“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.”
Senate demands urgent security response
The Senate President urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the issue as a national security priority and improve coordination in responding to digital intelligence.
“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.”
Mr Akpabio also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability whenever arrests are made.
“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’s resolution reflects growing concern over the use of social media by criminal groups and the need for stronger cyber surveillance, intelligence gathering and law enforcement responses to emerging security threats.
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