By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA—The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, November 26, passed a significant resolution classifying the act of kidnapping as an act of terrorism, a move that seeks to introduce the most severe punitive measures against abductors amid escalating national insecurity.
The resolution mandates an amendment to the existing Terrorism Act to stipulate the maximum penalty of death for individuals convicted of the crime.
According to the upper legislative chamber, the new resolution ensures that once a conviction for kidnapping is established under the amended law, the death penalty must be applied.
This resolution comes against the backdrop of rising insecurity nationwide, characterized by brazen attacks from bandits and terrorist groups who have routinely invaded schools, churches, and rural communities to seize citizens for ransom.
The Senate’s action re-opens the national debate on capital punishment as lawmakers voiced deep frustration over the spate of killings and abductions across states like Kwara, Niger, and Kebbi. The chamber has further resolved to launch investigative hearings and demand a comprehensive security action plan from the executive within one week.
Broader Legislative Context
The move follows previous legislative efforts to strengthen laws against abduction. The Senate had previously passed bills to amend the Terrorism Act, seeking to outlaw the payment of ransom to kidnappers and terrorists and prescribing severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for those who aid abductors.
While the death penalty has been a part of Nigerian state and federal laws for various capital offences, including murder and treason, the Senate’s resolution aims to establish a clear, national application of the maximum sentence for all kidnapping convictions established under the federal Terrorism Act.