Despite federal crackdowns, Nigerian bandits and terrorist groups are still using TikTok to flaunt ransom money and host “giveaway” style posts in 2026, security agencies have confirmed.
In March 2026, Nigerian troops arrested a notorious terrorist, Sule Yellow, after he used TikTok account `@suleyellow6` to livestream ransom money from kidnapping operations on March 4, 2026. He displayed ransom proceeds during a livestream with another terrorist, and was picked up shortly after collecting ransom from a victim’s family. His account was disabled after arrest.
Also in March 2026, activist Omoyele Sowore alleged in a widely circulated video that “terrorists are on TikTok in Nigeria doing giveaways. They are doing giveaways”.
In April 2026, videos of hostages abducted in Kwara and Borno surfaced on TikTok, with captives begging for ransom. AFP reviewed clips from April 2026 showing apparent jihadists and bandits flaunting rifles, grenades and stacks of cash. Security analyst Bulama Bukarti noted: “It started with bandits… Now, Boko Haram members are hosting live TikTok shows”.
Background: Propaganda Disguised as Cash Giveaways
The National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, said bandits and terrorist groups have posted videos showing bundles of naira notes, weapons and stolen goods, with some even going live to collect account numbers from followers in the comment section. Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC, disclosed that the groups once used TikTok livestreams to display loot and interact with supporters.
“There was a time when bandits would go on TikTok showing their loot. We took those accounts down—you don’t see that again,” Laka said during an end-of-year briefing in Abuja. “At some point, they were even doing livestreams and holding conversations, but we’ve been able to handle all that.”
Digital investigations reported by The Nation in August 2024 identified several primary TikTok accounts allegedly used by terrorists and bandits to flaunt ransom money and host cash giveaways. For security and policy reasons, the specific usernames have been withheld. The NCTC confirmed that FG, in partnership with TikTok and other platforms, has since taken down many of those accounts.
Security analysts say the tactic is not charity. The cash shown in videos is often believed to be proceeds from kidnapping operations. Experts describe it as propaganda aimed at intimidating communities, projecting impunity, and attracting recruits.
FG, Social Media Firms Cracking Down
The Federal Government said it is working with TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Snapchat to identify and deactivate accounts used by terrorist and criminal groups to publicise attacks, flaunt stolen items and raise funds.
According to NCTC, ransom payments remain a major source of terror financing, with point-of-sale operators increasingly exploited to move funds. Security agencies say they are constantly adapting to counter new tactics like aliases and unverified accounts.
Public Awareness
Officials are urging Nigerians not to engage with any “giveaway” linked to bandit or unknown armed accounts. Sharing bank details or personal information is illegal and can expose citizens to fraud or security scrutiny. NITDA also warned that many celebrity and government “giveaway” posts circulating online are scams designed to harvest personal data.
For safety reasons, specific account names cannot be published as they are flagged for violent content and fundraising. Citizens who spot such content are advised to report immediately to:
NPF Cybercrime Unit: 0805 303 3619 or cybercrime@npf.gov.ng
DSS: dss.citizens@dss.gov.ng
NCTC: Through National Counter Terrorism Centre channels
