Nigerian Senate Declares Kidnapping an Act of Terrorism, Approves Mandatory Death Penalty as Part of Sweeping National Security Overhaul

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday took one of its most far-reaching positions yet on the nation’s worsening insecurity, approving a landmark resolution that classifies all kidnapping-related offences as acts of terrorism, a move that automatically attracts the maximum death penalty with no option for judicial reduction.

The dramatic decision followed an emotionally charged plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during which senators lamented the rising wave of kidnappings, school abductions, and cross-state bandit attacks tearing through many parts of the country. The motion of urgent national importance was sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa of Kwara South, with critical amendments introduced by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

In a decisive shift aimed at preventing leniency in kidnapping cases, the Senate resolved that all existing laws on kidnapping must now fall under terrorism classification, and that death sentences passed under such laws cannot be overturned or reduced by any judge, nor attract an option of fine. Senator Bamidele was directed to immediately present an amendment bill to formalize this sweeping legal transformation.

In a surprising institutional shake-up, the Senate dissolved two of its key security oversight bodies, the Committee on National Security and Intelligence and the Committee on Air Force, announcing that both committees will be reconstituted within one week. Before the dissolution, Senator Shehu Buba chaired the National Security and Intelligence Committee, while Senator Godiya Akwashiki led the Air Force Committee.

Beyond the terrorism designation, the Senate rolled out a comprehensive set of directives aimed at bolstering national security infrastructure, strengthening community resilience, and tightening inter-agency operations. The resolutions include:

1. National Unity and Community Vigilance:

Communities across Kwara, Kebbi, Niger and other high-risk states were urged to remain united, vigilant, and resist internal collaborators working with criminal networks.

2. Commendation to President Tinubu and Security Agencies:

Lawmakers applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security architecture for recent rescue efforts, urging them to sustain operations until all abducted persons across the country are safely recovered.

3. Reconstruction of Strategic Federal Highways:

The Federal Ministry of Works was directed to begin immediate reconstruction of highways repeatedly targeted or exploited by bandits during attacks and abductions.

4. Intensified Joint Security Operations:

Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau, were ordered to scale up intelligence-led operations, intensify aerial surveillance, deepen cross-state collaboration, and expand community intelligence networks.

5. Establishment of a New Joint Task Force:

A new Joint Task Force was approved for the Kwara–Kogi corridor with Forward Operating Bases to be set up in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, Isanlu and Wasagu in Kebbi State.

6. Relief for Traumatised Communities:

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA were instructed to immediately provide support to communities where schools have been forced to shut down due to persistent attacks.

7. Strengthening Local Vigilante Groups:

The Senate called for reinforcements for vigilante formations and recommended a review of Nigeria’s firearm laws to align with global standards that allow responsible citizens to legally own guns.

8. Investigation into Withdrawal of Kebbi Troops:

Security committees of the Senate were mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school shortly before it was attacked, as well as probe the circular on the killing of Brigadier Uba in Maiduguri. Reports are expected within two weeks.

9. International Cooperation:

The Senate resolved to seek stronger collaboration with the U.S. Congress and allied foreign parliaments on counter-terrorism technology, intelligence sharing, and specialised training.

10. Security Committee Briefings:

All security-related committees were instructed to brief the Senate within one week on their current operational engagements and challenges.

11. Honour for Victims:

A one-minute silence was observed in memory of victims of recent attacks nationwide.

12. Reaffirmation of Support for the President:

The Senate pledged unwavering support for President Tinubu’s efforts to reform and fortify the country’s security framework, stressing the urgency of a national reset to protect citizens.

13. Engagement with the Presidency:

Senate leadership will meet with President Tinubu to present the resolutions, discuss immediate implementation, and outline further actions needed to curb the escalating threats.

With these sweeping resolutions, the Senate signaled a new era of uncompromising measures against kidnappers and terrorists, seeking to restore public confidence and reclaim national stability amid Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.