The Senate has urged Nigeria’s security agencies to step up surveillance and arrest individuals linked to banditry and terrorism who openly display proceeds of crime on social media platforms, especially TikTok.
Lawmakers raised concern on Thursday over what they described as the growing boldness of criminal groups who now publicly showcase their activities online, including cash giveaways allegedly funded by ransom payments.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, on the worsening insecurity in parts of his constituency and other regions affected by violent attacks.
During the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan called for stronger cyber surveillance, urging security agencies to act on digital traces left by criminal networks.
She noted that some armed groups were now using social media not only to project influence but also to distribute large sums of money in public online events.
According to her, “These individuals are no longer hiding. They operate openly on social media, even staging giveaways that run into millions within minutes.”
She questioned why security agencies, particularly cybercrime units, had not been able to trace and apprehend those behind such activities despite their visible online presence.
The proposal was supported by Senator Osita Ngwu and received wide backing across party lines, reflecting rising legislative concern about the digital dimension of insecurity.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the development as a serious challenge to state authority, warning that such acts appear to mock government institutions.
He said, “This is a clear display of impunity. It gives the impression that there is no consequence for crime.”
Akpabio further urged intelligence agencies, including the Department of State Services, to improve monitoring of online spaces and respond faster to digital intelligence.
He added that security agencies must treat the trend as urgent, stressing the need for coordinated tracking of individuals who use social media to promote or profit from criminal activities.
The Senate also called for improved accountability, insisting that once arrests are made, the public should be properly informed about prosecutions to strengthen trust in the justice system.
