Nigerian Terrorist Sarkin Yakin Flaunts Ransom Money on TikTok

A Nigerian terrorist known as Sarkin Yaki has shared multiple TikTok videos flaunting ransom payments collected from families of kidnapped victims. Using the handle @sarkinyaki34f, the account has amassed 7,893 followers and 27,700 likes. The videos show the terrorist arranging bundles of N1,000 and N500 notes on a mat in what appears to be a forest, with armed men in the background celebrating their ill-gotten wealth to the sound of music.

This incident highlights a troubling trend where terrorist elements exploit social media platforms like TikTok to promote their activities and attract followers. Earlier this year, another bandit went live on TikTok, interacting with viewers while armed. In a separate instance, a terrorist called for Nigerians to send bank account details to receive payments as a gesture of thanks for praising their leader, Mohammed Bello Turji Kachalla, during protests against economic hardship.

The surge of these activities coincides with an alarming increase in abductions across Nigeria. A report by SBM Intelligence reveals that 7,568 people were kidnapped between July 2023 and July 2024. The kidnappings span various regions, from Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest and North Central. Ransom demands during this period totaled nearly N11 billion ($6.87 million), though only 9.5% of the requested amount was paid.

States like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have seen the highest numbers of incidents. In some cases, kidnappers have even resorted to demanding foodstuffs and other non-monetary ransoms, particularly in regions struggling with severe insecurity.