- Senator Victor Umeh raised concerns about financial institutions aiding criminal networks
- Bamidele argued that the security crisis has evolved beyond ordinary crime
- The proposed law prescribes capital punishment not only for abductors but for their informants
Nigeria’s Senate has taken a major step toward overhauling the nation’s security laws by proposing the death penalty for kidnappers and anyone who aids or finances abductions, marking one of the toughest legislative moves against the fast-growing crime.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the motion was debated during Wednesday’s heated plenary as lawmakers considered extensive amendments to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
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The amendment bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking and related offences as terrorism.
Bamidele argued that the security crisis has evolved beyond ordinary crime, describing kidnapping as a fully commercialised conflict enterprise operated by sophisticated syndicates.
He warned that the crime has crippled economic activities, forced families into debt, disrupted schooling, and triggered widespread fear across communities. According to him, the brutality now associated with abductions “meets every global indicator of terrorism,” leaving lawmakers with no choice but to adopt harsher penalties.
The proposed law prescribes capital punishment not only for abductors but for their informants, logistics providers, collaborators, harbourers, and anyone who knowingly assists such operations. Attempt, conspiracy or incitement to kidnap would attract the same punishment.
The bill drew strong support from senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, who condemned deradicalisation programmes and insisted that convicted kidnappers must face death.
Orji Uzor Kalu and Minority Leader Abba Moro also backed the bill, describing it as a necessary response to nationwide anguish.
Senator Victor Umeh raised concerns about financial institutions aiding criminal networks, calling for deeper scrutiny of ransom-related transactions.
After intense deliberations, the Senate passed the amendment for further legislative work and referred it to three committees with a two-week deadline for their report.
The renewed push follows rising attacks nationwide, including mass abductions in schools and rural communities that have devastated families and exposed security lapses across multiple states.
