By DAYO ADESULU
Lawmakers Move to Reclassify Kidnapping Under Terrorism Laws
The Nigerian Senate has taken one of its most decisive steps yet to curb the worsening security crisis, officially moving to classify kidnapping and banditry as acts of terrorism. The chamber also approved the maximum death penalty for all kidnapping-related offences, signalling a dramatic shift in its approach to violent crime across the country.
The resolution emerged after a tense plenary session on Tuesday, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Lawmakers debated a motion of urgent national importance raised by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa (Kwara South), which was later strengthened by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
During the heated deliberations, senators argued that Nigeria can no longer treat kidnapping as an ordinary criminal offence, given the scale of recent attacks, school abductions, and rural invasions. They agreed that the nation is confronting a wave of organised violence that requires decisive legal and operational actions.
Death Penalty Provision Tops New Legal Measures
Under the new resolutions, all kidnapping offences will now attract the maximum death sentence, with no option of fine or judicial reduction. Lawmakers insisted that courts must treat kidnapping in the same category as terrorism, stressing that lenient punishments have emboldened criminal groups.
The Senate also ruled 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.”
To formalise this dramatic shift, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was directed to present a comprehensive amendment bill “in the shortest possible time,” ensuring that all existing statutes on kidnapping reflect the new terrorism classification.
Joint Task Force to Secure Kwara–Kogi Axis
Beyond legislative measures, the Senate approved the establishment of a new Joint Task Force (JTF) to stabilise the Kwara–Kogi corridor—an area that has witnessed consecutive attacks in recent months. The JTF will operate with Forward Operating Bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, Isanlu and Wasagu in Kebbi State.
Lawmakers said the deployment would help seal off major forest routes used by criminal networks that shuttle between Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and Kebbi States. They described the corridor as “strategic and increasingly vulnerable,” insisting that federal forces must dominate the terrain.
Call for Stronger Vigilante Support and Firearm Law Review
In a move likely to generate national debate, the Senate urged the Federal Government to reinforce local vigilante groups and consider reviewing Nigeria’s firearm laws. Lawmakers referenced over 175 countries where licensed citizens are permitted to own firearms under strict regulation.
According to them, the growing sophistication of criminal gangs requires “responsible civilian support” for security forces, especially in remote communities where response times remain slow.
Investigation Ordered Into Troop Withdrawal Before Kebbi School Attack
A major highlight of the resolutions was he Senate’s order for a full investigation into the withdrawal of troops from a school in Kebbi State hours before a bandit attack. The incident shocked the chamber, prompting concerns that negligence or internal compromise led to the tragedy.
All Senate security committees were tasked with probing the withdrawal, as well as reviewing the circular linked to the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba in Maiduguri. They were instructed to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
Senate Warns of Escalating Attacks Nationwide
The decision to reclassify kidnapping and banditry as terrorism follows a disturbing rise in school raids, mass abductions, and church attacks across several states. Lawmakers expressed frustration that communities continue to suffer, despite billions spent on security.
Earlier this week, panic swept through Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State after gunmen stormed a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor. Witnesses said the attackers entered during a meeting and opened fire immediately, forcing worshippers to flee.
Similar incidents were recorded earlier this month in Kebbi and Niger States, where dozens of students and villagers were kidnapped in coordinated nighttime assaults.
The Senate’s new position reflects growing alarm that these attacks are expanding faster than current security responses.
A Turning Point in Nigeria’s Anti-Terror Strategy
With the Senate’s sweeping resolutions, Nigeria is now preparing for a new wave of legal reforms and operational changes targeting kidnappers, bandits, and other violent groups. If passed into law, the death penalty for kidnapping will become one of the strictest anti-crime measures in the country’s history.
The Senate insisted that these steps were necessary to restore confidence, deter violent groups, and protect vulnerable communities.
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