Senate labels all kidnapping as terrorism, approves death penalty in new security resolutions

The Nigerian Senate has adopted a far-reaching set of resolutions to confront the country’s escalating insecurity, officially classifying all kidnapping-related offences as acts of terrorism and approving the maximum death penalty for offenders, without the possibility of judicial reduction.

The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following a heated debate on a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa (Kwara South). Additional amendments were introduced by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, further strengthening the sanctions.

In one of the chamber’s strongest security positions yet, lawmakers resolved that “all laws relating to kidnapping should be classified as terrorism and should have a maximum death penalty, and no judge should overturn or reduce the sentence without any option of fine.”

Senator Bamidele was directed to present an amendment bill immediately to formalise the change.

In a surprise institutional shake-up, the Senate also dissolved the Committee on National Security and Intelligence and the Committee on Air Force.

Both committees are to be reconstituted within one week. Until the dissolution, Senator Shehu Buba chaired the National Security and Intelligence Committee, while Senator Godiya Akwashiki led the Air Force Committee.

After adopting the Ashiru motion, the Senate issued a comprehensive list of directives to security agencies, federal ministries, and local communities.

These include calls for unity and vigilance in affected states, commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for recent rescue efforts, and an order to the Ministry of Works to commence immediate repairs on highways compromised by bandits.

Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau, were instructed to intensify joint operations, deploy intelligence-led strategies, conduct aerial surveillance, and strengthen community-based intelligence.

The Senate approved the creation of a new Joint Task Force (JTF) for the Kwara–Kogi corridor, with Forward Operating Bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, Isanlu, and Wasagu (Kebbi State).

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA were directed to provide relief to traumatised communities where schools remain shut, while the Federal Government was urged to strengthen local vigilante groups and consider reviewing firearm laws to align with “over 175 countries where responsible citizens are permitted to own guns.”

All Senate security committees were also mandated to investigate the withdrawal of troops from the Kebbi school hours before the recent attack, as well as issues surrounding the killing of Brigadier Uba in Maiduguri. Reports are expected within two weeks.

The Senate further resolved to seek international cooperation from the U.S. Congress and other allied parliaments on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, and technological support.

Relevant security committees are to brief the Senate within one week on their activities.

A one-minute silence was observed in honour of victims of recent attacks, while the chamber reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s resolve to confront insecurity. The Senate leadership will also meet with the President to present the resolutions and map the next steps.