The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved far-reaching security measures, formally categorizing kidnapping and banditry as terrorist acts and endorsing the death penalty for all offences connected to abduction.
The decision followed a heated plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, sparked by a motion of urgent national importance introduced by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa (Kwara South) and later amended by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
In one of its toughest security stances in years, the Senate resolved that “all kidnapping-related laws be designated as terrorism, carrying a maximum death sentence, with no option of fine or judicial reduction.”
To give legal backing to the new classification, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was instructed to present an amendment bill “as soon as possible.”
Lawmakers also approved the establishment of a Joint Task Force (JTF) to bolster security within the Kwara–Kogi axis, with new Forward Operating Bases proposed for Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, Isanlu and Wasagu in Kebbi State.
Additionally, the Senate urged the Federal Government to strengthen local vigilante operations and to review the country’s firearm regulations in line with practices in “over 175 nations where responsible citizens are allowed to possess firearms.”
A key part of the resolutions includes a directive to conduct a thorough investigation into the withdrawal of troops from a Kebbi school shortly before it was attacked by bandits.
All Senate security committees were assigned to probe the troop withdrawal, examine the circular surrounding the killing of Brigadier-General M. Uba in Maiduguri, and report their findings within two weeks.
These resolutions reflect the Senate’s growing concern over the alarming rise in kidnappings, school attacks, and banditry nationwide.
Recently, 4wardwego reported widespread panic in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, after terrorists invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch, killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor.
This incident follows a series of mass abductions earlier this month in Kebbi and Niger states.
