The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday took a decisive step to toughen the country’s anti-kidnapping laws by proposing the death penalty for kidnappers, their financiers, informants, and anyone aiding such crimes.
The move forms part of amendments to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The proposal, spearheaded by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offenses as acts of terrorism, giving security agencies broader powers to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute criminal networks nationwide.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Bamidele said, “Kidnapping has evolved into coordinated, commercialized, and militarized acts of violence carried out by organized criminal groups. It has instilled fear in our communities, interrupted children’s education, bankrupted families, and claimed countless innocent lives.”
He added, “The patterns of brutality associated with kidnapping now carry all the characteristics of terrorism. This bill will empower our security agencies with operational authority, intelligence capabilities, and prosecutorial tools to pursue kidnappers and their enablers. The death penalty will apply not only to kidnappers but also to their informants, logistics providers, harbourers, transporters, and anyone who knowingly assists, facilitates, or supports kidnapping operations. Attempt, conspiracy, or incitement to kidnap will attract the same penalty.”
The plenary drew contributions from key lawmakers including Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Oshiomhole criticized deradicalization programs for terror suspects, saying, “We should not continue with deradicalization programmes. If you are caught and convicted for acts of terrorism, the penalty should be death.”
Kalu supported the bill, emphasizing the need to punish accomplices, stating, “Informants and sponsors of kidnappers must face the consequence. Nigerians have suffered at the hands of kidnappers. Young girls have been raped. Women have become widows for no reason. This must not continue.”
Minority Leader Moro described the amendment as a unanimous decision of the Senate, noting that imposing capital punishment could serve as a deterrent. Senator Victor Umeh also highlighted the rising trend of abductions and called for scrutiny of financial institutions that may indirectly aid kidnappers.
The amendment now moves to the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters (lead committee), National Security and Intelligence, and Interior, which are expected to report back within two weeks.
The Senate’s move follows increasing incidents of mass kidnappings, including the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where two worshippers were killed and 38 others abducted.
Lawmakers said the attack highlights the spread of insurgent cells into the South and the growing insecurity in rural communities.
“Nigerians are kidnapped on highways, in schools, homes, farms, and markets,” Bamidele said. “This is not a mere crime. It is terrorism in its purest form.”
The amendment signals a strong legislative push as kidnapping continues to disrupt lives and communities across Nigeria.
