A bill seeking to amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offences as acts of terrorism has scaled its second reading in the Senate.
The proposal, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, prescribes the death penalty as the compulsory punishment for offenders, removing any option for fines or reduced sentences.
Bamidele noted that the measure reflects the Senate’s commitment to work with the Federal Government in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
He reminded lawmakers that, during a closed-door session three weeks ago, the Senate resolved to design a more robust legal framework specifically aimed at addressing the rising cases of abductions across the country.
While leading the debate, the Senate Leader described kidnapping as one of the most profitable and pervasive forms of violent crime, saying it has instilled fear in communities and disrupted academic activities, particularly for children.
The amendment seeks to formally define kidnapping and hostage-taking as terrorist crimes under Nigerian law.
Some senators argued that enforcing the death sentence is intended to strongly discourage those involved in the acts. They further noted that, during the public hearing, concerns were raised about introducing penalties for banks found enabling financial transactions linked to kidnappers. Others called for an end to granting amnesty to known terrorists.
The bill has now been referred to the joint committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Interior, and National Intelligence. The committees are expected to present their report within two weeks.
