The Nigerian Senate has proposed the death penalty for kidnapping and other terrorism-related crimes, with no option for fines, and called for immediate amendments to the Terrorism Act to reflect this change.

In addition, the Senate urged President Bola Tinubu to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture for optimal results, pledging to support his administration in the fight against insecurity.

The Senate also dissolved the Standing Committee on National Security and Intelligence and the Senate Committee on Airforce, directing that they be reconstituted within a week. Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Interior have been instructed to brief the Senate in a closed session within one week and submit detailed reports to plenary within two weeks.

These resolutions were adopted amid debates over a recent spike in attacks on soft targets in parts of Nigeria. The Senate emphasized the deployment of technology, stiffer penalties for kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency, and the use of all available measures to curb these crimes.

While discussing security breaches in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, lawmakers commended the prompt response of President Tinubu and security operatives and mandated the Joint Senate Committee on Security to investigate observed lapses.

The Senate also advocated for intelligence sharing with the United States and the international community to restore safety and peace in affected communities. Finally, it resolved that Senate leadership meet with the President to brief him on all adopted resolutions regarding national security.