Kalu Seeks Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Negotiate Ransom, Approve Amnesty for Bandits
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday called for the introduction of criminal penalties within the next six months for any government official involved in ransom negotiations or the approval of unstructured amnesty deals for bandits.
Kalu made the proposal during a special House session on national security convened in response to the rising wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across several states. He said the parliament must urgently strengthen Nigeria’s crisis-response framework.
“We need a strong anti-banditry resolution that prohibits ransom negotiation and mandates strict criminal justice procedures over amnesty programmes,” he said.
“Key provisions must include penalties for officials who negotiate ransom or authorise unstructured amnesty deals.”
He maintained that all suspects arrested for banditry should be prosecuted through the justice system rather than rewarded with deals that embolden violent groups. He also renewed calls for decentralised policing, insisting that state and local police should be created and equipped with modern technology for more effective response.
Several lawmakers contributed to the debate, warning that insecurity has reached alarming levels and now requires coordinated action across all tiers of government.
Satomi Ahmad (APC, Borno), Chair of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, questioned how state governments are utilising security funds. He urged governors to prioritise safety and invest in technology, big data and artificial intelligence to proactively prevent violence.
Abubakar Makki (APC, Jigawa), Chair of the Committee on Police Affairs, described the Nigerian Police Force as overstretched, underfunded and under-armed. While acknowledging the Inspector General of Police’s efforts, he said institutional challenges continue to hinder effective policing.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), Chair of the Committee on Navy, highlighted the scale of violence nationwide, ranging from attacks on worshippers in Kwara to killings at mining sites in Katsina and assaults on communities across several states.
“In the North-west and North-central, banditry, kidnapping and rural terrorism persist. In the North-east, Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active. In the South-south, maritime crime and oil theft continue,” he said.
“Our schools, highways and communities must be safe. Our intelligence must be faster. Our soldiers must be motivated.”
The special session followed a recent surge in abductions of schoolchildren and worshippers, as well as coordinated attacks in Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Zamfara and Benue. Lawmakers say the worsening situation requires strong legislative action and sustained oversight of security agencies.
Source: Premium Times
