- Nigerian Senate pushes to classify kidnapping under terrorism laws.
- Lawmakers propose death penalty for convicted kidnappers.
- Resolution targets rising cases of abductions nationwide.
- Senators say amendment will strengthen prosecution and punishment.
The Nigerian Senate, on Wednesday, made a decisive move against the escalating wave of abductions across the country by adopting a resolution that places kidnapping under the nation’s terrorism laws. Lawmakers agreed that the crime should attract the harshest punishment once the Terrorism Act is amended.
During plenary, senators expressed concern over the growing frequency of kidnappings and the pressure on government to introduce stronger deterrents. The Senate insisted that, under the revised laws, anyone found guilty of kidnapping should face the death penalty without exemption.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom Unveils N1.30trn 2026 Budget, Prioritises Capital Projects
A statement released by the Senate after the session confirmed its stand: the resolution mandates that the death sentence be enforced upon conviction.
Lawmakers argued that aligning kidnapping with terrorism offences would remove legal bottlenecks in prosecution and ensure more serious penalties for those involved in the crime.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Orders Recruitment of 20,000 Police Officers
The Senate’s position comes amid rising cases of abductions in several states. Over the past week alone, dozens of people have been taken captive across the country. Thirty-eight church members were kidnapped in Eruku, Kwara State, while another ten residents were abducted in Isapa, within the same council area.
In Kebbi State, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Secondary School in Maga and abducted 24 students. Niger State also recorded a mass abduction involving more than 200 schoolchildren.
These recurring incidents, senators said, reinforce the urgency of a stronger and clearer legal framework to check the growing threat.
