The Senate has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to strengthen surveillance and enforcement efforts against bandits and terrorists who openly display their activities and proceeds on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
The resolution was reached on Thursday following a motion raised by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, over the increasing attacks by bandits and terrorists in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
During discussions, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central proposed an additional measure urging the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts in tracking and arresting criminal elements using digital platforms to showcase illegal activities.
According to the senator, criminal groups are increasingly abandoning secrecy and instead using social media to project power, display wealth allegedly obtained through criminal activities, and gain public attention.
She raised concerns over reports that suspected bandits recently organised online cash giveaways through their social media accounts, particularly on TikTok, allegedly distributing millions of naira within a short period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why security agencies responsible for cyber monitoring had yet to identify and apprehend individuals openly operating online despite their visible digital presence.
Her proposal received support from Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West and was widely backed by lawmakers across party lines, reflecting growing concern over the use of digital platforms by criminal networks.
Reacting to the development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the public display of criminal activity online as an act of impunity and a challenge to state authority.
He argued that intelligence agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), should be able to monitor and trace such individuals, particularly when they publicly share videos, cash displays, and evidence of criminal acts online.
Akpabio further warned that unchecked online activity by criminal groups could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s security system and embolden offenders.
He called on security and intelligence agencies to treat the matter as an urgent national concern and improve collaboration to ensure swift action against those exploiting social media for criminal purposes.
The Senate President also stressed the importance of accountability, urging authorities to keep Nigerians informed whenever arrests and prosecutions are made involving suspects who openly publicise criminal behaviour online.
