Senate Declares Kidnapping as Terrorism, Recommends Death Penalty for Offenders
The Nigerian Senate, at its plenary on Wednesday, adopted a far‑reaching resolution on the country’s worsening insecurity, formally classifying kidnapping as an act of terrorism and recommending the death penalty without judicial discretion or option of fines for convicted offenders.
The debate was triggered by the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others. Although all victims were later rescued through joint operations involving the military, police, DSS, and vigilantes, lawmakers described the incident as evidence of insurgent cells drifting southward and the collapse of security in rural communities.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South), titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States and Strengthen National Security Frameworks”, opened extensive debate on attacks targeting schools, worship centres, highways, and entire communities.
Senators noted that repeated abductions have forced the shutdown of schools across Kebbi, Niger, five LGAs in Kwara, and all 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.
Senator Issa Jibrin (Kogi East) warned that Nigeria’s combined military, police, and paramilitary personnel number fewer than one million, compared to Egypt’s 1.5 million, calling for urgent recruitment, equipment upgrades, and a reserve force.
Lawmakers expressed concern that banditry is creeping towards Osun through Ekiti‑linked communities, citing recent killings of a retired Army General and a traditional ruler.
The Senate directed the Federal Ministry of Works to reconstruct the Idofian–Omu‑Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba corridor, noting that poor roads aid criminal escape routes.
Senators unanimously agreed that kidnapping has evolved into full‑scale terrorism and must attract capital punishment, with no discretion for reduced sentencing. The Senate urged President Bola Tinubu to “rejig” national security frameworks, clarifying that the call was for improved coordination, technology, intelligence, and rapid deployment rather than changes to service chiefs.
In a rare act of self‑critique, the Senate dissolved its Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Committee on Air Force, directing other security committees to submit oversight reports within one week.
Lawmakers resolved to strengthen registered vigilante groups with federal support and ordered a review of the Firearms Act to permit controlled arming of responsible citizens.
The plenary was marked by sharp disagreements and heated exchange amongst lawmakers. Senator Ali Ndume cautioned against misinterpretation of the call to rejig security. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe insisted the current administration must accept responsibility, citing reports of troop withdrawal before the Kebbi school attack. Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised concerns over intelligence leaks, recalling the killing of a brigadier general in Borno. Senator Seriake Dickson warned that Nigeria was “losing prestige and integrity,” sparking protests from APC senators.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole demanded accountability for the troop withdrawal, insisting that whoever ordered it should be tried for terrorism.
