The Nigerian Senate has approved a new resolution designating kidnapping as an act of terrorism, pushing for amendments to the Terrorism Act to allow the strictest punishment possible.
During Wednesday’s plenary, senators unanimously backed the proposal, insisting that anyone found guilty of kidnapping should receive the death sentence once the law is revised.
The Senate explained that the decision comes in response to the alarming surge in abductions nationwide and the urgent need for tougher penalties to discourage the crime.
In the resolution, the Senate stated: “Upon conviction for kidnapping, the death penalty must be enforced.”
Lawmakers stressed that this measure is intended to combat the escalating threat and deliver a clear message to perpetrators of kidnapping and related offenses.
Nigerians now await the official amendment of the Terrorism Act, which will formally categorize kidnapping as terrorism and enforce the death penalty for those convicted.