…Lawmakers direct security agencies to track, arrest criminals flaunting wealth online
The Senate on Thursday called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track and apprehend bandits and terrorists who openly display their activities on social media platforms, following concerns raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during plenary.
The development came during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, on the incessant attacks by bandits and terrorists in Kogi West and other parts of the country.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, proposed an additional prayer urging the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to monitor, track, and arrest criminals who openly operate on social media platforms.
The senator expressed concern that bandits and terrorists have become increasingly emboldened, using social media platforms to showcase their activities and even distribute money publicly.
According to her, “Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago on TikTok, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok.”
She questioned why security agencies had failed to take advantage of such digital footprints to apprehend the perpetrators.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” Senator Natasha stated.
The additional prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West and received broad support from lawmakers.
Responding to the proposal, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the public display of criminal activities on social media as a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian state and called on security agencies to act decisively.
“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,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President further noted that the open display of cash and criminal exploits on social media was an attempt by bandits to mock government authority and undermine public confidence in 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 government,” he added.
Akpabio urged all security agencies and intelligence chiefs to regard the matter as a serious national security challenge requiring immediate attention.
“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge. Whenever anybody finds such content, bring it to the attention of the Senate, and we shall invite the relevant federal authorities to explain why those people have not been apprehended,” he said.
He further stressed the need for accountability and feedback from security agencies once arrests are made.
“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,” the Senate President stated.
The resolution formed part of the Senate’s broader efforts to address worsening insecurity in Kogi State and across Nigeria, as lawmakers renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance, and coordinated security operations against criminal elements threatening lives and property across the country.
