Outrage As Bandits Flaunt Cash From Victims On Social Media, Taunt Nigerian Authorities

Nigerians have expressed strong reactions to viral videos circulating on social media platforms, showing bandits brazenly displaying cash allegedly collected from their victims. The videos, shared by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama on X (formerly Twitter), have elicited anger and frustration among citizens.

According to Makama, the user of the social network account has over 3,000 followers, with some of them being bandits who openly show off their rifles and are dressed in military or police uniforms. “Tiktok platform has given room for insurgents to promote their campaign of terror without being restricted,” he wrote.

The post has sparked a heated debate on the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security forces in combating banditry and insurgency. Many Nigerians have questioned the priorities of the authorities, pointing out the apparent disparity in the swift response to online criticism of politicians compared to the seeming inability to track down bandits operating freely on social media.

Twitter user @tundealuko said, “Bandit has a social media account and ‘can’t be found’ random user post a comment about EFCC chairman and was arrested under 2 weeks.” Another user, @Sikowitz17, echoed this sentiment, stating, “If someone insulted the IGP or the presidency and had a video showing his face on TikTok or Twitter. He’d have been arrested within hours.”

Some Nigerians have called for the right to bear arms to protect themselves, arguing that the security forces have failed in their duty. “Every Nigerian deserves the right to legally own a gun to protect themselves because no one will protect you better than yourself,” wrote @Kings_Things.

Audacity: Bandit on Tiktok flaunting and showing off ransom money he collected from his victims. pic.twitter.com/NDQ6ozNGMy

— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) March 25, 2024

Others have criticized the government’s approach to handling insurgency, with @AmaraDeborah1 stating, “This is an evidence of a failed state. A country that massages ego of terrorists, negotiate (fund them), reintegrate the arrested ones into the society and pay them, then set up armoured vehicles to raze down civilian communities.”

While some users have acknowledged the government’s efforts in fighting terrorism, they emphasize the need for more decisive action. “The government is doing a lot to fight terrorism but this might be a wake up call to the government to do more in it’s war against terrorism. We can’t allow miscreants to mock us as a nation,” said @toyeebarowona.

The viral videos have reignited the debate on the role of social media platforms in enabling the spread of terrorist propaganda. However, many Nigerians believe that the focus should be on the government’s ability to address the root causes of insecurity and bring the perpetrators to justice.