Senate Pushes to Classify Kidnapping as Terrorism, Endorses Death Penalty for Offenders

Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber has taken steps to redefine kidnapping as an act of terrorism, backing a proposal that would impose the death penalty on offenders. The decision emerged during Tuesday’s plenary, where senators cited escalating insecurity and a surge in coordinated abductions across multiple states.

The chamber agreed that the new provision should be incorporated into the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, with the senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, tasked with shepherding the resolution into the legislation. The initiative stemmed from a motion by the deputy senate leader, Lola Ashiru, who drew attention to a series of recent attacks in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger.

Several lawmakers argued that the gravity of the situation demands the toughest response. Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central insisted that kidnapping deserves the same classification and punishment as terrorism, calling for uncompromising penalties. Sadiq Umar from Kwara North said the country is confronting an “existential threat” and urged nationwide cooperation to confront the crisis. Bamidele added that Nigeria can no longer rely on excuses, stressing the urgency of decisive action.

The senate encouraged communities in affected regions to remain united, vigilant, and fully supportive of security agencies while rejecting local collaborators who enable criminal networks. Lawmakers praised President Bola Tinubu and security operatives for their swift interventions in recent abduction cases and urged sustained, coordinated operations until all captives are rescued and offenders arrested.

As part of the broader response, the federal ministry of works was directed to begin immediate repairs on key federal roads, particularly those in areas prone to bandit attacks. Security agencies — including the army, police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau — were instructed to intensify intelligence-led operations involving aerial surveillance, forest sweeps, inter-state coordination, and strengthened community intelligence systems.

The senate also called for the creation of a Joint Task Force along the Kwara–Kogi axis, with forward operating bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, Isanlu, and Wasagu in Kebbi. The ministry of humanitarian affairs and NEMA were asked to deliver relief to communities affected by school closures and ongoing abductions.

Lawmakers further urged the federal government to bolster local vigilante structures and consider updates to the national firearms law, noting global examples where regulated civilian gun ownership supports public safety. Committees on defence and security were directed to investigate the withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school before a recent attack, as well as the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, with findings expected within two weeks.

The chamber endorsed stronger international partnerships, including engagement with the United States, to boost intelligence sharing, training, and technology deployment. It also sought the reconstitution of committees on the air force and national security and intelligence, while requesting activity reports from committees overseeing other security agencies.

In reaffirming its backing for Tinubu’s security agenda, the senate urged a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture to counter insurgent threats more effectively.