Anger has swept across social media platforms in response to viral TikTok videos showing bandits displaying cash allegedly obtained as ransom for kidnapping victims.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, raised the alarm about these videos through a series of posts on his X account on Monday.
Makama highlighted that the TikTok account responsible for sharing the videos has garnered over 3,000 followers, some of whom openly identify as bandits. These individuals proudly exhibit firearms and wear military or police attire.
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In his post, Makama stated, “Audacity: Bandit on TikTok flaunting and showing off ransom money he collected from his victims. The user of the account has 3,000 followers, some of them are bandits who openly show off their rifle and dressed in military or police uniforms. TikTok platform has given room for insurgents to promote their campaign of terror without being restricted.”
Social media users expressed dismay over the delayed response and perceived inaction by authorities, urging for enhanced security measures and a reconsideration of law enforcement priorities.
One user, dataoracle_, commented, “If our intelligence system is still working, this is more than enough data to identify, track, arrest, and prosecute these criminals. We have DIA, DSS, NIA, all with significant budgets.”
Another user, mobilisingniger, pointed out, “The annoying thing is that the video was taken three days ago. There is a video where he was showing where he went to collect ransom from his victim.”
Others criticized the apparent impunity enjoyed by these bandits, with user Kings_Things remarking, “Openly showing off rifles and flexing on the gram, Nigerian security forces refuse to do anything to apprehend them.”
Calls were made for stricter regulation of platforms like TikTok, with user MBlacktrib3 stating, “TikTok is definitely an irresponsible application for allowing users like this person to thrive on their platform.”
In addition, concerns were raised about the efficacy of law enforcement efforts, as user aamowuN questioned, “Nigerian police spokesman brazenly bragged here that he can locate anyone who called out the Nigerian police on social media within minutes but can’t locate bandit who roams freely on social media.”
The prevailing sentiment underscored broader frustrations with Nigeria’s security landscape, with user #AmaraDeborah1 asserting, “Thinking TikTok is the problem here is crazy. This is evidence of a failed state.”
