Senate Mulls Death Penalty for Kidnapping Amid Rising Insecurity

Nigeria’s Senate has taken a major step toward imposing the death penalty for kidnapping, passing a resolution that classifies the crime as an act of terrorism.

The move comes as the country continues to grapple with escalating cases of abductions, mass school kidnappings, and ransom-driven violence affecting communities nationwide.

During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the growing boldness of criminal groups, arguing that existing punishments have failed to deter kidnappers who now operate with alarming confidence.

By designating kidnapping as terrorism, the Senate intends to make convicted offenders liable for the maximum sentence — death.

Supporters of the resolution say the measure sends a strong message to criminal syndicates involved in abductions, insisting that harsher penalties are necessary to match the severity of the crime.

Many senators cited the emotional and psychological trauma suffered by victims and their families, as well as the heavy economic burden endured by communities frequently targeted by ransom-seeking gangs.

Although several states already enforce capital punishment for aggravated kidnapping, this marks one of the strongest moves yet at the federal level to toughen national laws.

The proposal would require amendments to existing statutes before it becomes enforceable, and lawmakers indicated that drafting of the corresponding legislation is expected to follow.

The development has already begun to generate debate. Human-rights advocates warn that expanding the death penalty risks miscarriages of justice, especially in a system where investigations are often weak and wrongful convictions not uncommon.

Others argue that addressing insecurity requires broader reforms — from strengthening policing to tackling corruption — and not only stiffer punishments.

Still, with kidnapping now one of the country’s most pervasive crimes, the Senate insists that extraordinary measures are needed.

The push for the death penalty underscores a political shift toward more hardline responses as Nigerians continue to demand stronger action against the criminal networks destabilising the country.