The Nigerian Senate is moving to make the death penalty mandatory for all kidnapping offences, reflecting a major change in criminal justice policy. A bill to classify all kidnappings as terrorism and mandate the death penalty, removing fines or judicial discretion, passed its first reading on Thursday. The proposed legislation, known as the “Terrorism (Prevention
The Nigerian Senate is moving to make the death penalty mandatory for all kidnapping offences, reflecting a major change in criminal justice policy.
A bill to classify all kidnappings as terrorism and mandate the death penalty, removing fines or judicial discretion, passed its first reading on Thursday.
The proposed legislation, known as the “Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB.969),” is sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio introduced the bill after lawmakers supported it with a voice vote.
After passing a resolution during Wednesday’s plenary session, the Senate took action as lawmakers closely discussed the country’s security challenges, particularly the sharp increase in kidnappings, hostage situations, and abductions motivated by ransom demands from terrorist organisations.
During the debate, senators expressed deep concern that kidnapping had evolved into a highly profitable criminal enterprise, thriving despite existing laws. This prompted a collective resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework by redefining kidnapping as an act of terrorism and imposing far tougher penalties to curb the worsening situation.
During the plenary session, Mr Akpabio instructed the Senate Leader to prepare the amendment quickly. The amendment was presented in less than a day, highlighting the parliament’s resolve to address the growing problem of abductions nationwide.
In Nigeria, kidnapping has emerged as a significant contributor to national insecurity. Armed groups, including bandits, frequently abduct students, worshippers, travellers, and rural residents, typically demanding ransom amounts of millions of naira.
The current insecurity situation affects people by causing trauma, death, displacement, fear, and lost opportunities. Also, it affects national development by weakening the economy, discouraging investment, reducing agricultural output, disrupting education, and increasing government spending.
Recent incidents happened on Tuesday, 25th November, when 25 students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, regained their freedom.
In a related incident, 38 church members who were abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, were freed on Sunday, though authorities made no arrests. These repeated scenarios have intensified public dissatisfaction and prompted further demands for more effective penalties.
Despite repeated military operations and security directives, the crime has continued to flourish in part due to limited arrests and weak enforcement mechanisms.
According to the current Anti-Terrorism Act, kidnapping that leads to a victim’s death is punishable by the death penalty. If there is no death, the penalties differ based on the situation, with life imprisonment possible for offences like hostage-taking.
The law also criminalises ransom payments, stipulating a minimum sentence of 15 years for anyone who pays ransom to secure a victim’s release.
However, the bill has passed through the first reading stage, which marks the initial stage of Nigeria’s four-step legislative process. The coming weeks will determine whether the Senate’s proposed bill becomes law.
Also, the introduction of the bill reflects the government’s increasing urgency in confronting a crisis that has destabilised communities, disrupted education, and endangered thousands of lives across the country.
