The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution declaring kidnapping as an act of terrorism, mandating that the Terrorism Act be amended to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers.
The resolution follows growing concerns over rising insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.
Senator Lola Ashiru of Kwara South, who sponsored the motion, urged urgent federal intervention after recent abductions, including schoolchildren in Kebbi.
The Senate also debated reports of soldiers withdrawing from vulnerable areas before attacks.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe criticized the government’s handling of security, saying, “The administration must own up to its failures instead of blaming predecessors.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the kidnappings as “organized attacks aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s democracy.”
The new legislation aims to send a strong message against kidnappers amid nationwide security challenges.
