Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for legal penalties against government officials who negotiate ransom payments, describing the move as essential to tackling Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 25, at a special session on national security, Kalu outlined a legislative plan aimed at addressing the country’s security crisis over the next six months.
“The number three is the priority legislative agenda. In phase one, we must establish a foundation for crisis response.
“Number one is an anti-banditry resolution: to legally prohibit ransom negotiations and ensure that all matters are handled through the criminal justice system rather than unstructured amnesty programmes,” he stated.
He further explained, “The key provisions are as follows: criminal penalties for government officials who negotiate ransoms or approve unstructured amnesty deals, and mandatory prosecution for all banditry suspects through the criminal justice system.”
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Kalu, from Abia State, condemned the escalating attacks across Nigeria, stressing that urgent action is required from both the federal government and security agencies.
“As you all know, Nigeria’s security challenges demand immediate attention,” he said, addressing lawmakers and other attendees.
He also emphasised the need for improved policing and called for the speedy creation of state and local police forces, noting that modern equipment would enhance law enforcement capabilities in combating crime.
The special session was convened amid rising insecurity, including recent abductions of schoolchildren and churchgoers in several states.
In response, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has instructed security forces to address these threats, withdrawn police officers from VIP protection, and postponed foreign trips to prioritise national security.