Senate seeks arrest of bandits flaunting cash, criminal activities online

The Senate on Thursday directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track, identify and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly display their activities and wealth on social media, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national security and the authority of the state.

The resolution followed concerns raised during the debate on a motion moved by Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) over the worsening security situation in Kogi West Senatorial District and other parts of the country.

Lawmakers raised concerns that criminal groups had become increasingly bold, operating openly on social media platforms and showcasing proceeds of crime without fear of arrest.

They lamented that suspected bandits recently organised a giveaway on TikTok, distributing more than N100 million within 30 minutes through their social media accounts.

In her comment, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance of social media platforms and ensure that criminals who publicise their activities online are arrested and prosecuted.

She said, “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 N100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles.

“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media.”

Her proposal received strong backing from lawmakers and was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West).

Responding to the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the public display of criminal activities and large sums of money online as an unacceptable challenge to government authority.

He said security and intelligence agencies, especially the Department of State Services (DSS), should be capable of tracking and arresting those responsible.

Akpabio said, “The DSS 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 argued that the online display of cash and criminal exploits was intended to undermine government efforts and weaken public confidence in security institutions.

He added, “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.”

The Senate President urged heads of security agencies to treat the issue as a significant national security concern and act swiftly against those involved.

He further stated that the Senate would seek explanations from relevant authorities whenever individuals who openly reveal themselves online are not apprehended.

The resolution emerged during consideration of Karimi’s motion on the increasing wave of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and killings across Kogi West Senatorial District.

Karimi lamented that armed groups had turned several communities in the district into centres of violence, forcing residents to flee and disrupting economic and educational activities.

He cited the recent attack on Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded a secondary school and attempted to abduct students sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

The attack allegedly claimed the lives of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident.

The lawmaker also recounted several cases of kidnappings and killings in communities across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba West, Lokoja and Kogi local government areas, warning that the security situation was deteriorating rapidly.

Following deliberations, the Senate adopted several resolutions aimed at tackling the country’s growing security challenges.

Among the resolutions was a call on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly to urgently consider a legal framework for the establishment of state police.

The Senate also urged the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria to strengthen cashless transaction policies to reduce the use of cash for ransom payments and other criminal activities.

Lawmakers further called on the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service to improve border security measures to curb the influx of arms and the movement of terrorists into the country.

The upper chamber also advised state governments against negotiating or entering peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, arguing that such arrangements often fail to produce lasting results.