The Senate on Thursday directed security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend bandits and terrorists who openly display their criminal exploits and suspected 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 escalating wave of banditry and terrorist attacks in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
During the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central raised concerns over the growing use of social media by criminal groups to showcase their activities, display large sums of money and project influence without fear of arrest.
She urged the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to deploy digital surveillance tools to track and apprehend individuals using online platforms to publicise criminal operations.
According to her, some armed groups now operate openly on social media, where they allegedly flaunt wealth suspected to have been acquired through criminal activities and, in some instances, organise cash giveaways.
Akpoti-Uduaghan cited a recent incident in which bandits reportedly distributed over N100 million through social media channels within a short period, questioning why such activities had not resulted in arrests by law enforcement agencies.
The senator’s proposal received the backing of Senator Osita Ngwu, who represents Enugu West, and was subsequently adopted by the Senate.
Speaking on the matter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the actions of the criminal elements as a brazen challenge to government authority and a disturbing indication of impunity.
He said intelligence and security agencies, including the Department of State Services, should be able to trace and apprehend individuals who publicly reveal their identities while promoting criminal activities online.
Akpabio noted that the circulation of videos showing cash displays and other illicit activities was capable of undermining public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
He called on security agencies to treat the development as a matter of national importance and strengthen collaboration in gathering and acting on digital intelligence.
The Senate President further urged authorities to keep Nigerians informed about arrests and prosecutions arising from such investigations, stressing that visible enforcement would reinforce public trust and serve as a deterrent to criminal elements.
The upper chamber consequently resolved that relevant security agencies should immediately enhance monitoring of online platforms and take decisive action against individuals using social media to glorify or promote criminal activities.