Nigeria’s Senate has pushed forward a sweeping amendment to the nation’s terrorism law that prescribes the death penalty for all kidnapping offences.
The bill, which seeks to classify kidnapping as terrorism, passed second reading on Wednesday after lawmakers backed it through a voice vote.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage during plenary. He noted the urgency of the proposal and reminded senators that they resolved last week to amend the terrorism law to introduce capital punishment for kidnapping.
The bill returned for second reading barely a week after its first introduction, signalling strong bipartisan support.
Following its passage, Mr Akpabio referred the bill to the Committees on Human Rights and Legal Matters, National Security and Intelligence, and Interior.
The committees must conduct a public hearing and return their findings within two weeks.
The amendment, titled “Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 (SB.969),” was sponsored by all senators. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented it on their behalf.
He said kidnapping has evolved into a highly organised and militarised enterprise that threatens the country’s stability.
Mr Bamidele warned that kidnapping has shattered livelihoods, halted farming, disrupted schooling, drained families through ransom payments, and overwhelmed security forces. He said the crime now mirrors terrorism in sophistication and brutality, and must be treated accordingly.
He added that the bill aims to give security agencies broader authority under counterterrorism frameworks. It also seeks to dismantle kidnapping networks through intelligence-led operations, asset tracing and tighter interagency cooperation. According to him, only a tougher legal response can weaken the infrastructure that supports kidnapping syndicates.
Many lawmakers who debated the bill supported harsher penalties. Adams Oshiomhole criticised the deradicalisation programme for former Boko Haram members.
He argued that some return to violence, and insisted that anyone who kills should face the death penalty.
Orji Kalu supported the bill but urged lawmakers to extend punishment to informants and landlords who shelter criminals.
Although he noted that his Christian faith normally opposes capital punishment, he said the severity of Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis demands decisive action.
Minority Leader Abba Moro called kidnapping a booming commercial venture. Victor Umeh urged the Senate to include financial institutions, arguing that ransom payments often pass through banks.
He said the enforcement process must be strong enough that convicted kidnappers understand the consequence of their actions.
Mr Akpabio closed the debate by stressing the need for political will.
He said the public hearing must address the roles of sponsors, collaborators, and financiers.
He argued that the Senate must demonstrate seriousness because kidnapping is destroying futures and undermining national stability.
Nigeria continues to face widespread insecurity, with kidnapping reported in nearly every region.
Lawmakers say capital punishment will send a strong message, but critics warn that weak enforcement remains a major challenge.