The Senate has called on Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to step up surveillance of bandits and terrorist groups that openly advertise their activities and financial gains on social media, amid growing concern over the visibility and apparent impunity of criminal networks online.
The resolution, passed on Thursday, followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, on the worsening security situation in the district and other parts of the country. Lawmakers expressed alarm that armed groups were increasingly using platforms such as TikTok not only to publicise their operations but also to project influence and flaunt proceeds allegedly derived from criminal activity.
During the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central proposed an additional motion urging the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other security agencies to intensify efforts to identify, monitor and arrest individuals who use social media platforms to promote criminal enterprises.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said recent online activity by suspected bandits underscored the scale of the challenge, alleging that armed groups were openly distributing money through social media channels.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles,” she told the chamber. “Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100m within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok.”
She questioned why such public displays had not resulted in arrests, arguing that security agencies tasked with combating cyber-enabled crime should be able to track those responsible.
The proposal, seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West, received broad support from lawmakers across party lines, reflecting mounting concern over the convergence of insecurity and digital platforms.
Responding to the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the online conduct of suspected criminals as a direct challenge to the authority of the state and evidence of growing impunity.
“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,” he said.
Akpabio warned that videos showing alleged criminals displaying cash and documenting their activities online risked undermining public confidence in the country’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 urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the issue as a matter of national urgency, calling for closer coordination and faster responses to online intelligence. He also said the Senate would demand explanations from relevant authorities where apparent criminal activity shared online failed to result in arrests.
“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,” he said.
The debate comes as lawmakers seek tougher measures against criminal groups whose activities continue to fuel insecurity across several regions of the country, with increasing attention now focused on how digital platforms are being used to amplify their reach and influence.
