The Senate has taken a decisive step in its push to confront the country’s rising wave of abductions, declaring kidnapping an act of terrorism and approving a recommendation that offenders face the death penalty.
Lawmakers reached the decision after a heated plenary triggered by the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others.
Although the victims were later rescued in joint operations involving soldiers, police, DSS operatives and vigilantes, senators said the incident exposed the spread of insurgent cells into southern communities and the collapse of security structures in rural areas.
The motion tabled by Senator Yisa Ashiru opened discussions on attacks across Kwara, Kebbi and Niger and the shutdown of schools in multiple local government areas due to repeated abductions.
During the debate, Senator Issa Jibrin lamented a manpower shortage across the nation’s security outfits, noting that Nigeria’s entire security personnel “do not total one million,” compared to Egypt’s 1.5 million.
He called for improved equipment, intelligence and the creation of a reserve force. Others warned that banditry was creeping toward Osun through Ekiti-linked axis where a retired Army General and a traditional ruler were recently killed.
Lawmakers also faulted bad roads for aiding criminals’ escape and directed the Federal Ministry of Works to begin immediate reconstruction of the Idofian to Kabba corridor.
The chamber agreed that kidnapping has evolved into full-fledged terrorism and should attract capital punishment.
Several senators insisted that judges must have no discretion to reduce sentences for convicted offenders.
The Senate also urged Tinubu to strengthen the national security architecture, though Senator Ali Ndume cautioned that the call should not be misinterpreted.
The chamber clarified it wanted improvements in coordination, technology, intelligence and rapid deployment.
In an unusual move, the Senate dissolved its Committees on National Security and Intelligence and Air Force, directing other security-related committees to submit oversight reports within one week.
The chamber also pushed for stronger federal support for registered vigilante groups and a review of firearms laws to allow controlled arming of responsible citizens.
Debate became tense when Senator Seriake Dickson warned that Nigeria was “losing prestige and integrity,” remarks that triggered protests from APC senators until Senate President Godswill Akpabio muted his microphone. Senator Adams Oshiomhole later demanded an investigation into reports that soldiers withdrew from the Kebbi school area hours before bandits struck, saying, “Who ordered the military to withdraw? That person should be tried for terrorism.” The Senate adopted the call.
While commending security agencies for the rescue of victims in Kwara and Niger, lawmakers agreed that the worsening crisis demands stronger action, tighter intelligence, and the severest punishment for kidnappers.
