A Nigerian man who allegedly received N100,000 from suspected bandits during a TikTok Live “giveaway” has raised alarm, claiming the same group is now threatening him and demanding N100 million.

The man, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, said he joined a controversial TikTok Live session that featured young men openly displaying weapons and boasting about criminal activities. During the livestream, viewers flooded the comment section with disturbing messages, including praise for the gunmen, requests to join them and appeals for cash.

Amid the frenzy, the suspects reportedly announced a “giveaway,” asking interested viewers to drop their bank details. The man said he submitted his account number out of curiosity and desperation, and shortly after, he received a credit alert of N100,000.

What initially seemed like unexpected financial relief quickly turned into a nightmare. The man explained that he later received a message from the same individuals, who allegedly told him that the money was not a gift but a test of loyalty. They then demanded that he “refund” them N100 million, an amount far beyond his means.

He claimed the callers threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to comply, insisting they knew his personal details from the bank transfer. Terrified, he has now gone public, pleading with Nigerians and security agencies to intervene and protect him.

The incident has intensified concerns about how criminal groups are exploiting social media platforms to glamorise violence, recruit sympathisers and launder proceeds of crime. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that casual engagement with such accounts, even in the form of jokes or curiosity, can expose users to serious danger.

Commentators online have condemned those who interacted with the armed men during the livestream, especially viewers who encouraged attacks or treated the broadcast as entertainment. Many are also urging authorities to work with social media companies to trace the accounts involved and shut down similar pages that glorify banditry.

The man at the centre of the saga says he has no means to pay what is being demanded and fears for his life. His ordeal now serves as a stark warning about the real-world risks behind seemingly harmless online “giveaways” hosted by criminal elements.