The Nigerian Senate has passed a resolution declaring kidnapping an act of terrorism, proposing amendments to the Terrorism Act to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers.
The resolution, adopted during Wednesday’s plenary, stipulates that once a person is found guilty of kidnapping, the maximum penalty of death must be applied.
Nigeria has been grappling with persistent insecurity caused by armed “bandit” groups that attack villages, kill residents, and abduct people for ransom. In response to the rising wave of kidnappings, President Bola Tinubu recently ordered a full security cordon over forests in Kwara State.
Recent attacks include the abduction of 11 residents from Isapa community in Ekiti Local Government, Kwara State, and 38 worshippers from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku community. In Niger State, over 300 schoolchildren and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri. While some hostages have escaped, hundreds remain in captivity.
Last week, 24 schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, regained their freedom, but more than 265 children and teachers from other schools remain held by terrorists. Nigeria’s high-profile Chibok schoolgirls abduction in 2014, in which 276 girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram, remains unresolved for many of the victims.
The Senate’s resolution reflects increasing pressure on lawmakers and the executive to adopt tougher measures against kidnappers amid escalating insecurity across the country.
