Senate Passes Bill To Classify Kidnapping And Hostage-Taking As Terrorism With Death Penalty
A bill seeking to classify all kidnapping and hostage-taking offences as acts of terrorism has passed its second reading at the Senate, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The proposed legislation prescribes the death penalty for all kidnapping-related crimes, with no option for fines or alternative sentences. Lawmakers said the bill is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s terrorism laws. Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that issues raised in plenary must first be discussed in public hearings before being formally prohibited to reflect current realities. “It’s something we fast-track to go for public hearing and thereafter concordance. Everything you are saying here, you must say at a public hearing and then prohibit it to suit today’s situation,” he said. The Senate President invited senators to voice their support, giving proponents and opponents an opportunity to respond. He instructed, “Those who support this bill say hi, and those against say nay the hi of it.” The bill aims to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping and related offences as acts of terrorism and prescribe the death penalty. Akpabio read the bill’s main proposal and formal title to clarify its contents. After the second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judicial, Human Rights, and Legal Matters as the lead committee, with support from the Committees on National Security and Interior, and a two-week deadline to report back. The bill had its first reading on 27 November 2025, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and passed after a voice vote. Currently, Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Act applies the death penalty only when a kidnapping results in the victim’s death. Other kidnapping offences carry varying penalties, including life imprisonment, while ransom payments attract a minimum of 15 years. Recent cases highlighting the threat include the rescue of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 church worshippers in Kwara State, though no arrests have been reported in either incident.
