Death Sentence Won’t Solve Kidnapping, Terrorism — Tinubu Govt Tells National Assembly

Death Sentence Won’t Solve Kidnapping, Terrorism — Tinubu Govt Tells National Assembly

The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly opposed proposals seeking to impose the death penalty on kidnappers and terrorists, warning lawmakers that such extreme punishment could worsen Nigeria’s already fragile security situation. According to senior government officials, executing offenders will neither deter violent crimes nor address the deep-rooted causes of insecurity across the country.

This position, which was recently communicated to the National Assembly, has ignited intense debate among lawmakers, security experts, human rights advocates, and the general public. While supporters of capital punishment argue that it could serve as a strong deterrent, the Tinubu administration insists that evidence from Nigeria and other countries suggests otherwise.

As insecurity continues to affect millions of Nigerians, the government’s stance has raised important questions about the effectiveness of punitive justice versus long-term security reforms.

Tinubu Administration Pushes Back Against Death Penalty Bills

In recent weeks, lawmakers at the National Assembly have considered bills proposing the death sentence for kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists. These proposals emerged amid growing public frustration over rising abductions, insurgency, and violent crimes in several parts of Nigeria.

However, the Tinubu government has cautioned that adopting the death penalty could create unintended consequences. According to officials, harsher punishments do not automatically translate into safer societies. Instead, they may provoke criminals into becoming more violent, especially when they believe execution is inevitable.

Government representatives stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges require comprehensive solutions rather than reactionary legislation driven by public anger.

Why the Presidency Says Executions Will Not Deter Crime

The Federal Government’s argument is grounded in both local and international experiences. According to the administration, criminals involved in kidnapping and terrorism often operate under extreme conditions, including ideological indoctrination, economic desperation, and organized criminal networks.

As a result, the fear of death does not necessarily influence their actions. In fact, officials warned that imposing the death sentence may encourage kidnappers to kill victims quickly to avoid identification or arrest.

Security analysts within the government also pointed out that Nigeria already struggles with low conviction rates. Therefore, focusing on executions without strengthening investigations, prosecutions, and intelligence gathering may not yield positive results.

Insecurity in Nigeria: A Complex Crisis

Nigeria’s security crisis cuts across multiple regions and manifests in different forms. From banditry in the North-West to insurgency in the North-East and kidnappings in the South-East and South-West, the challenges remain widespread.

According to the Tinubu administration, these crimes thrive because of weak institutions, unemployment, poverty, porous borders, and the proliferation of small arms. Therefore, addressing insecurity requires a multidimensional strategy that goes beyond punishment.

You can read more on Nigeria’s security challenges in this related report on DocuNews Central: Nigeria’s Growing Institutional Challenges.

Human Rights Concerns Over Capital Punishment

Another major concern raised by the Federal Government involves human rights and the risk of wrongful convictions. Nigeria’s justice system, critics argue, is not immune to errors, corruption, or prolonged trials.

According to the presidency, executing an innocent person due to flawed investigations or coerced confessions would represent an irreversible tragedy. Consequently, the government urged lawmakers to consider reforms that protect lives while ensuring justice.

International human rights organizations have also consistently warned against the death penalty. Groups such as Amnesty International argue that capital punishment violates the right to life and does not effectively deter crime.

For global perspectives on the death penalty, see this analysis by Amnesty International: Global Views on Capital Punishment.

Public Pressure and Lawmakers’ Response

Despite the government’s opposition, many lawmakers argue that the public demands tougher measures. Families of kidnap victims, in particular, have repeatedly called for harsher punishment for offenders.

Some legislators believe that the death penalty could send a strong message to criminal networks. However, the Tinubu administration maintains that public policy should be guided by evidence, not emotions.

According to insiders, ongoing consultations between the executive and legislative arms aim to strike a balance between justice, security, and human rights.

Alternative Solutions Proposed by the Tinubu Government

Rather than capital punishment, the Federal Government has proposed several alternative strategies to combat kidnapping and terrorism. These include strengthening intelligence sharing, improving community policing, and investing in technology-driven surveillance.

The administration also emphasized the need to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system to ensure speedy trials and higher conviction rates. According to officials, certainty of punishment is more effective than severity.

In addition, the government has reiterated its commitment to addressing unemployment and poverty, which often drive young people into criminal activities.

Experts Weigh In on the Debate

Security experts have largely echoed the government’s concerns. According to analysts, countries that rely heavily on executions often fail to eliminate violent crime.

One security consultant noted that kidnappers may become more ruthless if they know execution awaits them upon arrest. As a result, hostages could face greater danger.

Legal scholars also warned that Nigeria’s congested prisons and slow judicial process would make implementing death sentences extremely problematic.

Regional and International Comparisons

Globally, many countries have moved away from capital punishment. Even in regions battling terrorism, governments increasingly focus on intelligence, deradicalization, and economic reforms.

The Tinubu administration cited examples from countries that reduced violent crime without executions by investing in policing reforms and social interventions.

According to the government, Nigeria must learn from these experiences rather than repeat failed approaches.

Political Implications of the Death Penalty Debate

The debate has significant political implications for the Tinubu administration. While opposing the death penalty may attract criticism from some quarters, the government appears determined to pursue long-term solutions.

Officials argue that leadership requires making difficult decisions, even when they are unpopular. As such, the administration believes history will judge its stance fairly.

Political observers say the outcome of the debate could shape Nigeria’s criminal justice policy for years to come.

What This Means for Nigerians

For ordinary Nigerians, the debate reflects a broader struggle between fear, justice, and reform. While citizens desperately want safety, the government insists that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through executions alone.

The Tinubu administration has called on Nigerians to support comprehensive reforms that address both symptoms and causes of insecurity.

As discussions continue at the National Assembly, Nigerians will closely watch whether lawmakers heed the government’s warning.

Conclusion: A Call for Evidence-Based Security Policies

The Tinubu government’s message to lawmakers is clear: the death sentence will not solve kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria. Instead, it may deepen insecurity and put innocent lives at risk.

By rejecting reactionary policies and promoting evidence-based solutions, the administration hopes to build a safer Nigeria. However, success will depend on cooperation between government institutions, security agencies, and citizens.

As Nigeria confronts one of the most critical security debates in its history, the choices made today will shape the nation’s future for generations.