The Senate on Tuesday passed sweeping resolutions to confront Nigeria’s rising wave of kidnappings, banditry, and school attacks, approving the classification of all kidnapping related offences as acts of terrorism punishable by the maximum death penalty.
Presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the plenary adopted the resolutions following an extensive debate on a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa (Kwara South), with additional amendments from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
In a decisive move, lawmakers ruled that all kidnapping offences should attract capital punishment, with no judicial reduction or option of fine. Senator Bamidele was directed to present a formal amendment bill to enact this legal overhaul.
The Senate also dissolved two major security committees, the Committee on National Security and Intelligence and the Committee on Air Force, with orders for their reconstitution within one week. Before the dissolution, Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi South) chaired the National Security and Intelligence Committee, while Senator Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North) chaired the Air Force Committee.
Following the adoption of the Ashiru motion, the Senate rolled out a comprehensive list of directives targeted at federal agencies, security institutions, and communities across the country. The resolutions include calls for national vigilance, commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent rescue efforts, and instructions for immediate reconstruction of federal highways damaged or exploited by bandits.
Security agencies were ordered to intensify joint operations through intelligence driven deployments, aerial surveillance, and strengthened inter state collaboration. The Senate also approved the establishment of a new Joint Task Force (JTF) covering the Kwara Kogi corridor, with Forward Operating Bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke Ero, Isanlu, and Wasagu (Kebbi State).
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA were directed to provide relief to communities where schools have been shut due to attacks. Lawmakers further encouraged the strengthening of vigilante groups and urged a review of Nigeria’s firearm laws to align with countries that permit responsible gun ownership.
Senate security committees were mandated to investigate the withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school shortly before it was attacked, as well as issues surrounding the killing of Brigadier Uba in Maiduguri. Reports are expected within two weeks.
In addition, the Senate resolved to deepen counter terrorism cooperation with the United States Congress and allied parliaments. All relevant security committees are to brief the Senate within one week on ongoing operations.
A one minute silence was observed for victims of recent attacks, and the lawmakers reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu’s security efforts, promising to align with public demands for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture. The Senate leadership is also scheduled to meet with the President to present the resolutions and map out further actions.
