A notorious bandit identified as Auta Yankuzo has reportedly sparked outrage after allegedly posting a photograph of a large amount of cash believed to have been obtained from kidnap ransom payments on TikTok.
The allegation was made by conflict and security journalist Bakatsine, who disclosed the development in a post shared on X on Wednesday.
According to Bakatsine, the image was uploaded to Yankuzo’s TikTok account on Tuesday and appeared to show cash linked to ransom proceeds.
“Bandits TikToker Auta Yankuzo has posted a ransom payment on his account yesterday. The picture appears to be from previous payment as the ground looks too dry to be of recent days,” Bakatsine wrote.
He, however, noted that while the image was recently shared online, it may have been taken during an earlier ransom payment rather than a recent incident.
The development has renewed concerns over the growing use of social media by criminal groups to publicise their activities, taunt authorities and spread propaganda.
The latest incident comes shortly after a viral video surfaced online showing armed bandits displaying bundles of cash allegedly received from ransom payments, further fueling public concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Kidnapping for ransom remains one of the country’s most pressing security challenges, particularly across the North-West and parts of the North-Central, where armed groups frequently attack communities, motorists, schools and farmers.
Despite ongoing military offensives and security operations targeting criminal gangs, kidnappings and violent attacks continue to be reported in several states across the country.
