Lawmakers Demand Names Of Terrorist Sponsors

The National Assembly on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to disclose and prosecute those funding terrorism as insecurity spreads across the country.

Lawmakers said exposing the financiers is key to breaking the networks behind rising kidnappings and violent attacks that have shaken many communities.

The Senate turned its attention to a proposed amendment to the 2022 Terrorism Act, seeking to classify kidnapping and related crimes as terrorism. The bill, driven by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, would give security agencies broader powers and introduce the death penalty for kidnappers, informants and anyone who supports their operations. Senators argued that kidnapping has grown into a coordinated business run by organised groups that operate like terror cells.

Hours of debate followed, with contributions from Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu and Abba Moro. Many warned that families, farms and schools have become easy targets as criminals move freely across rural and urban areas. The Senate later approved the amendment for further work and sent it to key committees expected to report back within two weeks.

In the House of Representatives, members also demanded that the government publicly identify terrorism financiers while reviewing a security report linked to nationwide abductions. They called for speedy prosecutions, the creation of a special court for terror cases, and tougher penalties for illegal arms dealing. Lawmakers also pushed for better funding of security agencies, stronger digital payment tracking to curb ransom payments and improved intelligence sharing across states and neighbouring countries.

House members pointed to recent kidnappings involving schoolchildren, worshippers and travellers. They supported President Bola Tinubu’s order to withdraw police guards from VIPs so the police can focus on core duties, while the civil defence corps handles escort roles. The House agreed that only serving national officers should retain police protection.

Both chambers raised concerns about weak security presence in many communities. Lawmakers urged the establishment of more army formations, police divisions and civil defence units in high-risk zones. They also called for better protection of schools, worship centres and markets using CCTV, community alerts and early-warning systems. Their proposals included stricter tracking of weapons issued to security agencies, large-scale recruitment drives and improved welfare for frontline personnel.

The Senate also questioned former Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa during his screening as Defence Minister nominee. He faced tough questions on why troops were withdrawn shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State on November 17. Musa promised a full investigation, a probe into the killing of a brigade commander in Borno and a stronger discipline system across the armed forces. He said Nigeria must adopt a zero-tolerance mindset toward terrorism and improve cooperation among all security agencies.

A brief clash erupted during the screening when a few senators suggested allowing Musa to leave without further questioning. Senate President Godswill Akpabio rejected the idea, saying the country and the world were watching at a time when many schoolchildren remain in captivity. The Senate later confirmed Musa as Defence Minister.

Outside the chambers, the European Union reviewed its work with Nigeria, noting that insecurity and humanitarian needs remain central to its mission. EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the bloc has committed funds to peace-building and development projects, stressing that Nigeria remains a key partner in trade, security and economic cooperation.

Nigeria continues to face terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and communal clashes in the Middle Belt. Frequent kidnappings targeting travellers, students and entire villages have displaced thousands and raised fresh pressure on authorities to restore safety across affected regions.