The Senate has initiated moves to categorise kidnapping as an act of terrorism, recommending capital punishment for offenders without the possibility of a fine. Lawmakers said the adjustment would be inserted into the Terrorism (Prevention) Act in response to escalating insecurity nationwide.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was assigned to ensure the decision is reflected in the existing legislation.
The initiative came after a motion introduced by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru, who pointed to the surge in violent incidents in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states.
During discussions, senators shared deep concern over the continued increase in abductions. Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, argued that kidnappers should face the most severe consequences.
“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, who represents Kwara North, warned that Nigeria is confronting an “existential threat” and stressed that collective effort is needed to defeat 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 urged prompt efforts toward resolving the nation’s security issues. “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 agreed that communities in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and across the federation must remain unified, vigilant, and assist security agencies while resisting internal accomplices who jeopardize national safety.
Senate Demands Stronger Security Coordination
The upper chamber praised President Bola Tinubu and security forces for what it described as “rapid” responses to recent abductions and encouraged sustained coordinated missions until all victims are rescued and offenders captured.
The Senate instructed the Federal Ministry of Works to begin immediate repairs of federal highways, particularly in bandit-affected zones, to enhance movement and emergency security deployment.
Lawmakers also directed the army, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-based operations, including aerial monitoring, bush patrols, inter-state synergy, and community-led information systems across Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, Niger, and other high-risk corridors.
Additionally, the Senate proposed the creation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) for the Kwara–Kogi axis, with forward bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu in Kwara, as well as in Wasagu in Kebbi.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were told to provide urgent support to families and communities impacted by kidnappings and forced school closures.
Senators also recommended that the federal government reinforce local vigilante networks and review national firearms regulations to match present security realities, citing examples from more than 175 countries where responsible citizens have access to guns.
All security-related committees were instructed to probe the withdrawal of military officers from a Kebbi school shortly before a bandit raid, and to examine the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, with findings expected within a fortnight.
The upper chamber resolved to seek diplomatic cooperation with the United States and other nations for improved intelligence exchange, counter-terrorism training, and technical support to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
It also called for the restructuring of the standing committees on the Air Force and National Security and Intelligence, while directing the committees on the Army, Navy, Defence, Interior, and Police Affairs to submit their reports within a week.
The Senate reiterated its backing for Tinubu’s commitment to combating insecurity and urged him to overhaul the national security framework to confront insurgent threats more effectively.
