The Nigerian Senate has approved major amendments to the 2022 Terrorism Act, proposing the death penalty for all individuals connected to kidnapping — from perpetrators to financiers, informants, harbourers and logistics suppliers. Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill classifies kidnapping and related crimes as terrorism, giving security agencies wider powers to trace ransom payments, dismantle logistics networks, and intensify intelligence-led operations.
During a heated debate led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, lawmakers across party lines backed the amendment, describing kidnapping in Nigeria as a fully commercialised and militarised enterprise that mirrors terrorism. Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu and Victor Umeh stressed that kidnappers, sponsors and financial enablers must face severe punishment. The bill has been forwarded to relevant committees for public hearing and further review within two weeks.
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