Nigerian troops have arrested a suspected bandit identified as Sule Yellow, who allegedly used the social media platform TikTok to promote the activities of armed groups.
The suspect, known online by the handle @suleyellow6, was reportedly apprehended shortly after collecting ransom money from the relatives of a kidnapped victim. News of the arrest was shared on Monday through a post by the security-focused account @mobilisingniger on X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to the report, Sule Yellow had gained attention on TikTok where he frequently posted content showcasing the operations and lifestyle of bandits.
On March 4, he was said to have appeared in a TikTok livestream alongside another suspected bandit identified as Auta and several others, further drawing the attention of security agencies monitoring online activities linked to criminal groups.
Security sources indicated that operatives had been tracking the suspect’s movements and online presence before carrying out the arrest operation.
Following his capture, authorities also moved to disable the TikTok account allegedly used by the suspect to share the videos and livestreams.
A statement accompanying the report said the Nigerian military arrested the suspect after he collected ransom payments from the family of a kidnapping victim.
Security forces have since shut down the TikTok account associated with Sule Yellow as investigations into the case continue.
