The Senate on Thursday, November 27, took decisive steps to strengthen Nigeria’s security laws, passing the first reading of a bill to amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The amendment, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, aims to categorise kidnapping as an act of terrorism, punishable by death.
The move follows a heated debate on national insecurity, where lawmakers stressed the urgent need for tougher measures against rising abductions.
Bamidele stated, “This bill commences the process of altering the legal framework to impose harsher penalties on kidnappers amid rising security concerns across the country.”
In addition, the Senate established an 18-member ad hoc committee to investigate the Safe School Initiative, appointing Senator Orji Kalu as Chairman.
Other committee members include Senators Tony Nwoye, Yemi Adaramodu, Harry Ipalibo, Ede Dafinone, Mustapha Saliu, Diket Plang, Binus Yaroe, Kaka Shehu, and Musa Garba Maidoki.
The committee was set up following growing concerns over how allocated funds for the programme have been used, especially in light of recent attacks on schools.
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The decision comes after the attack on Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, where gunmen killed the vice principal and abducted 25 students.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged the committee to conduct a thorough investigation, emphasising accountability and the protection of students. The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
The Senate’s actions coincide with a surge in attacks on educational institutions, including the abduction of more than 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State.
Similar incidents have been reported in Kwara, Kano, and Borno states.
President Bola Tinubu, responding to nationwide insecurity, declared a state of emergency on Wednesday.
He ordered the recruitment of additional personnel for the army and police, authorised the use of NYSC camps for training, directed redeployed VIP officers to undergo crash training, and instructed the DSS to deploy trained forest guards to counter terrorists and bandits.