The Nigerian Senate has passed the second reading of a bill seeking to amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related crimes as acts of terrorism.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the proposed legislation prescribes the death penalty for offenders, without the option of fines or alternative sentences. Bamidele said the bill aligns with the Senate’s commitment to work with the Federal Government to address the nation’s security challenges.
During the presentation, the Senate Leader described kidnapping as one of the most pervasive and commercially driven forms of violence, noting its impact on communities and disruption of education, particularly for children. The bill aims to formally recognize kidnapping and hostage-taking as terrorism under Nigerian law and introduce stringent penalties as a deterrent.
Lawmakers also suggested that public hearings consider sanctions for financial institutions that facilitate transactions linked to kidnappers. Some members further recommended ending the practice of granting amnesty to identified terrorists.
The bill has been referred to joint Senate committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Interior, and National Intelligence, which are expected to report back within two weeks.
