Senate on Wednesday advance a major legislative push to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-kidnapping laws by approving amendments that prescribe the death penalty for kidnappers and anyone who finances, enables or provides intelligence to kidnapping syndicates.
The proposal, driven by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to clarify kidnapping and related offences as acts of terrorism under the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act
Debating during Wednesday’s plenary at the Senate, the amendment reviewed strong support from leading Senators including Orji Uzor Kalu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The lawmakers argued that the rising brutality, widespread abductions, and the militarised nature of kidnapping operations now mirror terrorists activity.
The session presided over by Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, ended with unanimous vote to refer the bill to the relevant Committee for further legislative work.
The Senate noted that Nigerians schools, markets, farms, and highways, with many victims killed even after ransom payments.
Lawmakers insisted that capital punishment must extend to informants, logistic providers, harbourers, and anyone aiding kidnapping networks.
They maintained that the amendment represents a decisive response to the worsening insecurity devastating communities across the nation.
-9News Nigeria.
