The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for government officials involved in ransom negotiations to face criminal penalties, as part of a broader effort to tackle Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.
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Speaking on Tuesday during a special session of the lower chamber on national security, Kalu outlined a six-month legislative agenda aimed at curbing banditry and strengthening the criminal justice response.
“The number one priority is an anti-banditry resolution: to legally prohibit ransom negotiation and mandate criminal justice processes over unstructured amnesty programmes,” Kalu said. He added that key provisions would include criminal penalties for officials who negotiate ransom or authorise irregular amnesty deals, and mandatory prosecution for all banditry suspects.
The Abia-born lawmaker stressed the urgent need for Federal Government intervention and enhanced policing. He advocated for the acceleration of state and local police establishments and the provision of modern equipment to ensure security agencies can respond effectively to crime.
The special session follows a surge in kidnappings and violent attacks across Nigeria, including recent abductions of schoolchildren and worshippers. In response, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has directed security forces to intensify operations, withdrawn police protection from VIPs, and postponed foreign trips to focus on domestic security challenges.
“As you all know, Nigeria’s security challenges demand urgent action,” Kalu said, urging lawmakers and stakeholders to back legislative measures that will enforce accountability and strengthen the country’s crisis response.
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