The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action to combat escalating insecurity across the nation, passing a resolution that classifies kidnapping as an act of terrorism. This significant move, made during a plenary session, stipulates an amendment to the Terrorism Act to impose the maximum penalty of death on convicted kidnappers, without the option of a fine or judicial discretion to reduce the punishment. The resolution comes amidst a severe surge in insecurity, characterized by widespread banditry, abductions from schools, churches, and communities, and a general collapse of rural security.

The legislative push was triggered by a motion titled 'Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States and Strengthen National Security Frameworks,' moved by Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South Senatorial District. Senators expressed grave concerns over the rising frequency of abductions, with specific incidents like the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where 38 worshippers were abducted, serving as stark reminders of the crisis. While these specific victims were later rescued, the incident highlighted the southward spread of insurgent activities.

During robust debates, lawmakers underscored the urgency of the situation. Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, firmly stated, “Kidnapping must be branded a terrorist act and must carry the death penalty. Let’s look inwards and get it right.” Similarly, Senator Sadiq Umar of Kwara North described the situation as an “existential threat,” emphasizing the need for collective action. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, stressed the necessity for urgent action from both the executive and legislature, stating that all hands must be on deck to address the inherited problem.

The Senate noted with alarm that the wave of school abductions had forced the shutdown of learning activities in all local governments of Kebbi and Niger States, five LGAs in Kwara, and all 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide. Beyond schools, worship centers, roads, and entire communities have become targets, with senators warning of the potential for mass displacement, collapse of rural economies, and severe psychological trauma if decisive action is not taken.

Lawmakers identified several enabling factors behind the surge in coordinated attacks, including internal collaborators, compromised intelligence channels, and the takeover of critical forest corridors such as the Kwara–Kogi axis, Kebbi–Zamfara route, and Shiroro–Rafi–Munya triangle. Senator Issa Jibrin (Kogi East) highlighted Nigeria’s severe security manpower deficit, noting that the combined personnel of the military, police, and paramilitary forces do not total one million, significantly less than Egypt’s 1.5 million security personnel with a similar population. He advocated for urgent modernization of equipment, improved intelligence coordination, and the activation of a military reserve force.

In response to these challenges, the Senate issued a series of directives and resolutions. It mandated the Federal Ministry of Works to commence immediate reconstruction of federal highways, particularly in areas affected by banditry, such as the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba road, to improve mobility and security response. The Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Bureau were directed to intensify intelligence-driven operations, including aerial surveillance, forest combing, cross-state collaboration, and community-based intelligence systems across high-risk areas like Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, and Niger states.

Furthermore, the Senate called for the establishment of a Joint Task Force (JTF) covering the Kwara–Kogi corridor, with forward operating bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu in Kwara state, and in Wasagu in Kebbi state. The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were directed to provide immediate relief to families and communities affected by abductions and school closures. Other resolutions included strengthening registered vigilante groups through federal support and reviewing Nigeria’s national firearms law to permit controlled arming of responsible citizens, citing examples from over 175 countries.

The Senate also resolved to pursue diplomatic engagement with the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, and other allied nations to enhance intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, drone technology, and acquisition of advanced surveillance systems. In a dramatic move, the Red Chamber dissolved its Committees on National Security & Intelligence and Air Force with immediate effect, while other security-related committees were ordered to submit reports of their oversight activities within one week. While commending President Bola Tinubu for his rapid interventions in recent abduction incidents, the Senate urged him to sustain the momentum until all victims nationwide are rescued and to further rejig the nation’s security architecture to address insurgent threats effectively.

Additionally, the upper chamber ordered an immediate investigation into the reported withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school shortly before a bandit attack, as well as the circumstances surrounding the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba. Senators lamented the prevalence of ransom payments and demanded the exposure of those behind negotiations to tackle terrorism and banditry at their source. A one-minute silence was observed in honour of all victims of recent attacks. The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring compliance with all resolutions, emphasizing that insecurity now poses the greatest threat to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and future.