Abuja — December 3, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The Senate has advanced a sweeping security-bill amendment that would classify kidnapping, hostage-taking and related offences as acts of terrorism punishable by mandatory death penalty, with no option for fines or reduced sentences, once the bill completes legislative processes.
Under the proposed changes to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, those convicted of kidnapping even where no death results would face execution, signalling a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s criminal-justice framework as lawmakers seek to curb a surge in mass abduction and ransom-driven violence.
Supporters of the bill argued that the growing frequency and commercialisation of kidnappings notably involving schoolchildren, commuters and rural villagers demand harsher deterrents. Senate President Godswill Akpabio said during plenary that “kidnapping must now carry the maximum punishment of death once proven,” reflecting the chamber’s anger and resolve after yet more mass-abduction incidents across the country.
The bill was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who was tasked with drafting the formal amendment a process described as urgent and meant to respond swiftly to the growing insecurity.
As of now, the bill has passed second reading and has been referred to joint Senate committees on Judiciary, Interior, Legal Matters, and National Intelligence which have two weeks to report back for further consideration.