Nigerians drop account numbers after Bandit announces giveaway as reward for praising Bello Turji during hunger protests

In a surprising turn of events, Nigerians on TikTok have begun sharing their account numbers after a bandit announced a giveaway as a reward for praising notorious bandit leader Bello Turji during the recent nationwide protests.

Recall that On August 1, a 10-day nationwide protest against economic hardship commenced in many parts of the country.

In northern Nigeria, the protest was marred by looting and vandalism.

Meanwhile, as the protest reduced across the country, a bandit announced a giveaway on TikTok.

The terrorist claimed that their group is grateful and pleased that their leader was referred to as a ‘hero’ by some individuals from the northern region.

He said, “May the peace and blessings be with you all Nigerians. Protesters, we heard you guys are praising Mohammed Bello Turji.

“We are grateful, we are grateful to you, may you achieve success. Bello Turji is greeting. Send your account details; Bello Turji wants to do something for you people.”

Numerous individuals surprisingly complied with the terrorist’s request, sharing their bank account details in the comment section of the viral video.

However, it was unable to confirm whether the terrorist actually followed through on his promise.

Five months ago, viral videos on TikTok, showed bandits flaunting cash purportedly collected as ransom for their victims have ignited widespread anger.

A counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, brought attention to these videos through a series of posts on his X on Monday.

Makama said the account responsible for sharing the videos has amassed over 3,000 followers, some of whom are openly identifying as bandits, proudly displaying firearms and donning military or police uniforms.

He wrote, “Audacity: Bandit on Tiktok flaunting and showing off ransom money he collected from his victims.

“The user of the account has 3,000 followers, some of them are bandits who openly show off their riffle and dressed in military or police uniforms. TikTok platform has given room for insurgents to promote their campaign of terror without being restricted”

Meanwhile, the development has raised questions about the intersection of social media, criminal influence, and public response in Nigeria.

An X user posting as @KinqWizzy; “Nigeria is a finished country, bandits are having a field day conducting their activities, whilst DSS and the Nigerian government are busy abducting peaceful protesters and opposition voices.”

Efe Pete, another user posting as @Peteke23 said; “I won’t be shocked to hear he’s under @HQNigerianArmy payroll cos everyone else is easy to find.

@Official_Hydar wrote; “Well a clear evidence that there’s hunger, poverty, lack of education and awareness in the land.”

@Neyoo06 reacted; “Bandit having almost 40k followers is scary . Nigeria can never get it right because most of the people in the country are humans with animal mindset

@babanyesme wrote; “Part of the reasons insurgency wont end anytime soon. Tell me now that this one wont gladly serve as informant for these criminals. Security should pick him up for questioning.”