WorldStage– The Nigerian Senate has officially declared kidnapping and banditry as acts of terrorism, approving the death penalty as the maximum punishment for offenders.
This followed a resolution passed today during Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers expressed deep concern over the rising cases of abductions, killings, and violent attacks across the country.
The Senate stated that the escalation of these crimes threatens national stability and requires the strongest legal response.
With the new resolution, kidnapping and related offences will fall under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act once the necessary amendments are completed.
This classification empowers security agencies to apply tougher counter-terrorism measures against perpetrators.
Lawmakers also urged the executive to intensify intelligence gathering, invest in modern security technology, and strengthen border protection to curb the activities of criminal groups.
If fully enacted into law, individuals convicted of kidnapping under the updated terrorism classification will face the mandatory death sentence.
The Senate further called on state governments, traditional leaders, and communities to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against insecurity nationwide.
