The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday took a decisive step toward tightening the country’s anti-kidnapping laws by proposing the death penalty for kidnappers, as well as those who finance, aid, or provide information to them. The move comes as lawmakers debated amendments to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related crimes as terrorism, thereby granting security agencies broader powers to track, disrupt, and prosecute criminal networks nationwide.
The debate dominated Wednesday’s plenary, with contributions from prominent senators including Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Minority Leader Abba Moro. The session was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
After extensive deliberations, the Senate unanimously approved the amendment bill for further legislative scrutiny, referring it to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters (lead committee), National Security and Intelligence, and Interior, which are expected to report back within two weeks.
Leading the debate, Bamidele stated that the bill aims to “designate kidnapping, hostage-taking and related offences as acts of terrorism and prescribe the death penalty for such offences without the option of fines or alternative sentences.”
He warned that kidnapping in Nigeria has evolved into “coordinated, commercialised, and militarised acts of violence perpetrated by organised criminal groups”, instilling fear in communities, disrupting education, crippling economic activities, bankrupting families, and claiming countless lives.
“Kidnapping now carries all the characteristics of terrorism. This bill will empower security agencies with broader operational authority, intelligence capabilities, and prosecutorial tools to pursue terrorists and their enablers,” Bamidele said.
He emphasized that the death penalty would apply not only to kidnappers but also to informants, logistics providers, harbourers, transporters, and anyone who knowingly supports kidnapping operations, including attempts, conspiracies, or incitement.
Backing the amendment, Oshiomhole criticised deradicalisation programmes for terror suspects, arguing that many offenders return to crime.
“No more deradicalisation. If you are caught and convicted for acts of terrorism, the penalty should be death,” he stated.
Kalu echoed support, insisting that sponsors and informants of kidnappers must “face the consequence,” while Minority Leader Moro described the bill as “a unanimous decision of the Senate,” highlighting the need for capital punishment to deter future kidnappings.
Senator Victor Umeh condemned the rising trend of abductions and killings even after ransom payments and urged scrutiny of financial institutions that inadvertently facilitate such crimes.
The amendment follows recent security incidents, including the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others. All victims were later rescued, but lawmakers noted the incident revealed the spread of insurgent cells into southern states.
The debate originated from a motion by Senator Yisa Ashiru, titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States and Strengthen National Security Frameworks.” Senators also highlighted the increasing wave of school abductions, which have forced closures in parts of Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and all 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.
The Senate’s action signals a tougher legislative stance against kidnapping as insecurity, particularly ransom-driven abductions, continues to devastate communities across Nigeria.
