A bill seeking to classify all kidnapping and hostage-taking offences as acts of terrorism passed its second reading at the Senate during Wednesday’s plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio
The proposed legislation prescribes the d3ath penalty for all kidnapping-related offences, with no option for fines or alternative sentences. Lawmakers described the bill as part of ongoing efforts to amend Nigeria’s terrorism laws.
On the urgency of the matter, Akpabio emphasized that the bill should move swiftly through the legislative process. He explained that issues discussed in plenary must first be addressed in public hearings before being prohibited to reflect current needs.
“It’s something we fast-track to go for public hearing and thereafter concordance. Because in reality, everything you are saying here, you must say it at a public hearing and then prohibit it in order to suit the situation of today,” he said.
The Senate President then invited senators to express their support through a voice vote, giving both proponents and opponents a chance to respond. On the voting procedure, he said: “My distinguished colleagues, those who support this bill are now ready a second time to say hi, and those against say nay the hi of it.”
Akpabio presented the bill’s content, explaining that it seeks to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping and related offences as acts of terrorism and prescribe the death penalty. He read the main proposal:
“I bid for an Act to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offences as acts of terrorism to prescribe death penalty for such offences without option of fine or alternative sentences and for related matters.”
The bill’s formal title was also read to clarify the legislative document:
“This is a bill for an act to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offences as acts of terrorism, to prescribe death penalty for such offences without option of fine or alternative sentences, and for related matters 2025.”
Following the second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judicial, Human Rights, and Legal Matters as the lead committee, with support from the Committees on National Security and Interior. The committees were directed to report back within two weeks.
The bill had its first reading on 27 November 2025, a day after lawmakers resolved to classify kidnapping as terrorism. Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, it passed first reading through a voice vote following majority support.
Under Nigeria’s current Anti-Terrorism Act, the death penalty is applied only when a kidnapping results in the victim’s death, while other kidnapping offences attract different penalties, including life imprisonment. The Act also criminalises ransom payments, prescribing a minimum sentence of 15 years.
Recent incidents highlighting the need for stricter laws include the rescue of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 church worshippers in Kwara State, with victims freed but no arrests announced in either case.
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