Senate moves to classify kidnapping as terrorism, proposes death penalty

The senate has begun efforts to classify kidnapping as a terrorism offence, proposing that perpetrators be executed without the option of a fine. 

Lawmakers said the measure would be reflected in the Terrorism (Prevention) Act due to the rising insecurity across the country.

Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, was mandated to ensure the resolution is incorporated into the act.

The move followed a motion by Lola Ashiru, the deputy senate leader, who highlighted recent attacks in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger state.

During debate, senators expressed concerns at the rising frequency of abductions.

Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, said kidnappers must face the harshest penalties. 

“Kidnapping must be branded a terrorist act and must carry the death penalty. Let’s look inwards and get it right,” Ningi said.

Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, said Nigeria is facing an “existential threat” and all hands must be on deck to defgeat terrorism.

“We are having an existential threat. This is a narrative that has to move beyond this chamber. It is time for us to declare that we are at war,” he said.

Bamidele called for urgent action to address the country’s security challenges.

“Both the executive and the legislature inherited this problem; but that should not be an excuse. All hands must be on deck,” he said.

Senators resolved that all communities in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and across Nigeria must remain united, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies while resisting internal collaborators who undermine national security.

The upper chamber commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their “rapid” interventions in recent abduction incidents and urged the continuation of coordinated operations until all abducted persons nationwide are rescued and perpetrators apprehended.

The senate directed the federal ministry of works to commence immediate reconstruction of federal highways, particularly in areas affected by banditry, to improve mobility and security response.

The lawmakers also mandated the army, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-driven operations, including aerial surveillance, forest combing, cross-state collaboration, and community-based intelligence systems across Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, Niger, and other high-risk areas.

Furthermore, the senate asked that a Joint Task Force (JTF) covering the Kwara–Kogi corridor be established, with forward operating bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu in Kwara state, and in Wasagu in Kebbi state.

The federal ministry of humanitarian affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were directed to provide immediate relief to families and communities affected by abductions and school closures.

Senators also advised the federal government to strengthen local vigilante networks and to review the national firearms law to align it with current security challenges, citing examples from over 175 countries where responsible citizens are allowed to own guns.

All security-related committees were mandated to investigate the withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school shortly before a bandit attack, as well as the circumstances surrounding the killing of Musa Uba, a brigadier general, and report back to the senate within two weeks.

The upper chamber resolved to pursue diplomatic engagement with the United States and other nations to enhance intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, and technological support in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

The senate also called for the reconstitution of the standing committees on the air force and national security and ntelligence, while the committees on army, navy, defence, interior, and police affairs were mandated to report their activities within a week.

The senate reaffirmed its support for Tinubu’s determination to tackle insecurity, urging him to rejig the nation’s security architecture to address insurgent threats effectively.