By Kinsley Samuel
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged Nigeria’s security agencies to step up surveillance of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, arguing that terrorists and bandits are increasingly leaving digital footprints that could be exploited to dismantle criminal networks.
Speaking during the ARISE News Town Hall session on State Police on Thursday, the Kogi Central senator said it was troubling that terrorists had become so emboldened that they now openly engage Nigerians on social media and even distribute money online without being tracked or arrested.
According to her, security agencies should regard such online activities as intelligence opportunities rather than ignore them.
“I have consistently advocated the deployment of smart technologies to curb insecurity. It is alarming that some terrorists now engage the public through their social media handles,” she said.
Recalling a recent incident involving suspected bandits on TikTok, she added: “A few weeks ago, within about 30 minutes, bandits gave away hundreds of millions of naira to Nigerians who willingly participated in the giveaway. One would wonder why the police force and other security agencies would neglect such activity as a means of apprehending these actors.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the increasing use of digital platforms by criminal groups underscored the need for intelligence-led policing supported by technology.
The senator, who is a member of the Constitution Review Committee, also reiterated her support for the establishment of state police, saying decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen responses to insecurity at the community level.
“Let’s be very honest. In most democratic societies, whether it is the United States or the United Kingdom, they operate decentralised policing systems. In Nigeria today, there is a huge disconnect in intelligence gathering, interception and the apprehension of insurgents because these crimes begin in our communities,” she said.
While endorsing state police, Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that the proposed system must include constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse by political office holders.
“My greatest concern is the abuse of state police by both state and national political actors. In a situation where there is abuse or total disregard for the Police Act, where do ordinary Nigerians go? Who do they complain to?” she asked.
She also questioned the accountability framework for state police, asking: “If the police commander is in default of compliance, who do ordinary citizens report to? How do we trust that our petitions will be addressed?”
The senator further expressed concern that the proposed National Police Council could become politicised if adequate checks and balances were not established.
“How do we ensure it does not become a boys’ club or a political club that turns a blind eye to genuine complaints from Nigerians?” she queried.
On funding, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that the economic capacities of states vary significantly, making it difficult for every state to finance its police force.
“We know the economic opportunities of states differ. You cannot compare the revenue generated by Lagos, Delta or Kano with states such as Kogi or Zamfara. We must have conversations on how the Federal Government can intervene to ensure every state has the capacity to fund its police,” she said.
Drawing from her experience in Kogi State, the senator recounted how a fully equipped police station she facilitated in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area remained idle for months despite repeated notifications to the then Inspector-General of Police.
She said the facility became operational within two weeks after she brought the matter to the attention of the current Inspector-General of Police, demonstrating the importance of responsive leadership.
“No matter how beautiful the laws are, we still rely on human beings to implement them. That is why we must be careful in recruiting police officers. They must be competent, patriotic and understand the oath they have sworn to uphold,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also recalled the violence that marred her 2019 and 2023 election campaigns in Kogi State, saying the experiences reinforced the need for police reforms that guarantee operational independence, professionalism and accountability.
She expressed confidence that with stronger legal safeguards, technology-driven policing and collaboration among the Federal Government, states, security agencies and citizens, terrorism and other forms of violent crime could be significantly reduced.
“With the right legal framework, effective leadership and technology-driven policing, terrorism will become a thing of the past,” she said.
