Senate Backs Death Penalty As Nigeria Unveils Tough New Anti-Terror Measures
By TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN
NIGERIA has announced a sweeping new security strategy targeting terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors, with the Senate advancing legislation that introduces the death penalty for perpetrators, financiers and informants. The plan also rejects negotiations with criminals, strengthens intelligence-driven operations, and tightens recruitment into the armed forces.
The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill that classifies kidnapping, hostage-taking and related crimes as acts of terrorism. Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and supported by all senators, the bill prescribes the death sentence for offenders and expands law enforcement powers to dismantle kidnapping networks nationwide.
Bamidele said kidnapping has grown into a “coordinated and commercialised” criminal industry that has destabilised communities, ruined families, undermined the economy and claimed countless lives. He insisted that harsher punishment is necessary to reflect the gravity of the threat.
Several senators, including Adams Oshiomhole and Orji Uzor Kalu, backed the bill, condemning failed de-radicalisation programmes and insisting that informants and sponsors must face severe consequences.
Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed retired General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister after a rigorous screening focused on troop withdrawals, recent attacks and reforms for Nigeria’s security architecture. Musa promised a full investigation into the Kebbi school abductions and the killing of a brigade commander in Borno, pledging to pursue terrorists aggressively and eliminate negotiations with kidnappers.
Musa highlighted gaps in coordination, funding and intelligence, calling for a national database and stronger local government involvement. Lawmakers lauded his detailed responses before unanimously confirming his appointment.
