- During deliberations, lawmakers expressed concern over the growing confidence with which criminal groups now operate online
- She alleged that some criminal groups now use social media, particularly TikTok
- Akpabio warned that videos and posts showing suspected criminals displaying cash and promoting illegal activities
The Senate has called on security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at tracking and arresting bandits and terrorists who openly use social media platforms to publicise their activities and flaunt suspected proceeds of crime.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the resolution was reached on Thursday following a motion presented by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, on the rising incidents of banditry and terrorism affecting Kogi West and other parts of Nigeria.
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During deliberations, lawmakers expressed concern over the growing confidence with which criminal groups now operate online, using digital platforms to showcase their activities without fear of arrest.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, urged the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other security agencies to intensify surveillance of social media platforms and take action against individuals promoting criminal activities online.
She alleged that some criminal groups now use social media, particularly TikTok, to display wealth, distribute money, and project influence among followers.
According to her, there have been instances where suspected bandits reportedly shared large sums of money through online giveaways, raising questions about why security agencies have not been able to identify and apprehend those involved.
Her proposal received support from fellow lawmakers, including Senator Osita Ngwu, and was subsequently adopted by the Senate.
Reacting to the development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the online activities of criminal elements as a clear display of lawlessness and a challenge to the authority of the state.
He said intelligence and security agencies, including the Department of State Services, should be able to monitor and trace such individuals through their online footprints.
Akpabio warned that videos and posts showing suspected criminals displaying cash and promoting illegal activities could weaken public confidence in the country’s security architecture if left unchecked.
He called on security agencies to treat the issue as a matter of national importance and improve collaboration in gathering and acting on intelligence generated from digital platforms.
The Senate President also urged relevant authorities to provide updates whenever arrests are made, stressing the need for accountability and public awareness of actions taken against individuals involved in criminal activities.
Lawmakers maintained that addressing the misuse of social media by criminal groups is essential to strengthening national security and restoring public trust in law enforcement efforts.
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