Track down bandits flaunting cash, conducting giveaways on TikTok — Senate orders DSS

The Senate has called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement actions against bandits and terrorists who openly showcase their activities and financial proceeds on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, on the rising 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 urged the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other security agencies to track and arrest individuals using social media platforms to publicise criminal activities.

She expressed concern that criminal groups were increasingly using digital platforms to display wealth, project influence and, in some cases, distribute money believed to be proceeds of crime.

According to her, some bandits recently conducted a giveaway of more than ₦100 million through social media platforms, particularly TikTok, within a short period.

Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why security agencies had not successfully tracked and apprehended individuals who openly publicise their activities online despite their visible digital presence.

Her proposal received support from lawmakers and was adopted as part of the Senate’s resolutions on the security situation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the actions of the suspects as a display of impunity and a direct challenge to government authority.

He said security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), should be able to track and arrest individuals who openly display criminal proceeds and activities online.

Akpabio further warned that such public displays undermine confidence in the country’s security architecture and called on intelligence agencies to treat the issue as an urgent national security concern.

The Senate also urged improved coordination among security agencies and called for regular updates on efforts to apprehend and prosecute criminal elements operating through digital platforms. :::

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