ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate has begun steps to classify kidnapping as a terrorism offence, proposing that offenders face the death penalty without the option of a fine, as lawmakers confront a surge in abductions and violent attacks across the country.
The decision followed a motion sponsored on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, by Lola Ashiru, deputy senate leader, who cited recent mass kidnappings in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger as evidence of a rapidly deteriorating security climate.
Senators argued that existing penalties have done little to deter criminal groups who now operate with increasing boldness.
During debate, Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, said the urgency of the moment required the harshest possible punishment.
“Kidnapping must be branded a terrorist act and must carry the death penalty. Let’s look inwards and get it right,” he said.
Sadiq Umar, representing Kwara North, described the country as facing an “existential threat,” urging a more assertive national response.
“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.
The chamber subsequently mandated Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, to ensure that the resolution is fully integrated into the Terrorism (Prevention) Act.
Bamidele acknowledged the scale of the crisis and called for joint action by both arms of government.
“Both the executive and the legislature inherited this problem; but that should not be an excuse. All hands must be on deck,” he said.
In a set of wide-ranging resolutions, lawmakers urged communities in affected regions—including Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and neighbouring states—to remain united, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, while resisting internal collaborators who facilitate attacks.
The Senate commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for what it described as “rapid” responses to recent abductions and encouraged continued coordinated operations until all kidnapped persons are rescued.
It directed the federal ministry of works to begin immediate rehabilitation of federal highways in areas plagued by banditry to improve mobility and security response times.
Lawmakers also instructed the army, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-led operations such as aerial surveillance, forest combing, cross-state collaboration, and community-based information gathering.
A major recommendation included the establishment of a Joint Task Force (JTF) along the Kwara–Kogi corridor, with forward operating bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu in Kwara, and Wasagu in Kebbi.
The senators directed the federal ministry of humanitarian affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to communities affected by abductions and prolonged school closures.
They also called for reinforcement of local vigilante networks and urged a review of the national firearms law, noting that more than 175 countries permit responsible citizens to own firearms.
All security-related committees were mandated to investigate the withdrawal of military personnel from a school in Kebbi shortly before a bandit attack, as well as the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
They must report their findings within two weeks.
The Senate also recommended increased diplomatic engagement with the United States and other countries to improve intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism support, and access to advanced technologies.
Finally, lawmakers called for the reconstitution of the standing committees on the air force and on national security and intelligence, while directing committees on defence, the army, navy, interior, and police affairs to submit activity reports within a week.
The chamber reaffirmed its support for Tinubu’s strategy to tackle insecurity, urging him to overhaul the security architecture to confront insurgent threats more effectively.
