The Senate has begun the process of amending Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, with lawmakers passing the amendment bill through its first reading during Thursday’s plenary.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill follows resolutions reached just 24 hours earlier, when senators—during a heated debate on rising insecurity—agreed on the need to classify kidnapping as an act of terrorism punishable by the death penalty.
The amendment seeks to strengthen the legal framework and impose harsher penalties on kidnappers amid worsening security challenges nationwide.
Safe school initiative
In a related move, the Senate has set up an 18-member ad hoc committee to investigate the implementation of the Safe School Initiative, appointing Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as chairman.
Other members include Senators Tony Nwoye, Yemi Adaramodu, Harry Ipalibo, Ede Dafinone, Mustapha Saliu, Diket Plang, Binus Yaroe, Kaka Shehu, and Musa Garba Maidoki, among others.
The committee’s establishment follows a resolution demanding a comprehensive probe into the initiative, after lawmakers questioned how funds allocated to securing schools have been utilised—especially given continued attacks on educational institutions.
Concerns grew after gunmen raided Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and reportedly abducting 25 students.
The debate that led to the committee’s formation was further strengthened by additional prayers moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
The panel is expected to submit its findings within four weeks.
Rising insecurity
The Senate’s actions come as insecurity escalates across the country following recent deadly attacks.
Last week, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, abducting more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers.
Similar attacks and abductions have been reported in Kwara, Kano, and Borno states.
In response, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered fresh recruitment into the Armed Forces and the police.
He also authorised security agencies to convert select National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps into training centres.
According to the President, security personnel withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo accelerated training before being deployed to frontline areas.
Tinubu further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country.
