The Senate today 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 moved by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, on the increasing wave of banditry and terrorist attacks in Kogi West and other parts of the country, reports Daily Trust.
During the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, proposed an additional prayer urging the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to monitor, track and apprehend individuals using social media to publicise criminal activities.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern over what she described as the growing audacity of criminal groups, noting that some now openly showcase their operations and wealth 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 yet to apprehend individuals who openly maintain a digital presence while allegedly engaging in criminal activities.
“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 prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial District and received overwhelming support from lawmakers.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the development as a troubling display of impunity and challenged security agencies to take decisive action.
“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,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the circulation of videos showing criminal elements displaying cash and publicising their activities appeared to be a direct challenge to government authority and the nation’s 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 the government,” he added.
The Senate President called on security agencies to treat the matter as a priority and improve coordination in responding to 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.
Akpabio further stressed the need for transparency after arrests are made, saying the public should be informed of enforcement actions and prosecutions.
“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.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted the motion and urged relevant security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement measures against criminal groups using social media platforms to publicise their activities and financial gains.
