Senate Moves to Impose Death Penalty for Kidnapping

The Senate on Wednesday began steps to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping by pushing for the death penalty for kidnappers and those who support them.

Lawmakers debated changes to the 2022 Terrorism Act aimed at treating kidnapping and hostage-taking as acts of terrorism.

The proposal came from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who argued that kidnapping has become a nationwide threat carried out by organised groups. The plan would give security agencies more power to track and dismantle networks behind abductions.

Debate on the bill dominated the plenary, with senators Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, and others backing the tougher measures. Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the session, which ended with unanimous approval to send the bill to relevant committees for further work. The committees are expected to report back in two weeks.

During the session, lawmakers raised concerns about the scale of kidnapping across the country. They said the crime has spread from highways to schools, farms, markets, and homes, leaving many families bankrupt after paying ransom and causing long interruptions to farming and education.

Supporters of the bill said offenders must face the highest penalty. They also pushed for the same punishment for informants, sponsors, logistics handlers, and anyone who helps kidnapping operations. Some senators criticised deradicalisation programmes, saying many returnees go back to crime.

Lawmakers recalled recent attacks, including one on a church in Kwara State where worshippers were killed and dozens abducted before later being rescued. They warned that insurgent cells are spreading into southern states and that school abductions have forced closures across several regions.

The Senate’s latest move reflects a wider push to curb rising insecurity as kidnapping for ransom continues to disrupt daily life and deepen fear in communities across Nigeria.