By Charles Edet
The trending news Online, suggesting that the Federal government should classify armed kidnapping as an act of terrorism in Nigeria as suggested by Emmanuel Onwubiko, the renowned human rights activist is worthy of debate, and consideration, given the alarming rise in kidnapping cases in Nigeria. Treating armed kidnappers as terrorists when apprehended could serve as a deterrent and help combat the menace.
Enforceability and Amendment to Current Law
To implement this initiative, an amendment to the current Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended) would be necessary. The Act defines terrorism as an act that is intended to unduly compel a government or international organization to perform or abstain from performing any act, or to seriously intimidate a population, section of the population, or government . Including armed kidnapping within this definition would require a legislative amendment.
International Precedents
Internationally, there are precedents for treating kidnapping as a terrorist act. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) defines terrorist acts as including kidnapping, and calls upon states to prevent and suppress such acts. Similarly, the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (1999) includes kidnapping as a terrorist offense.
Benefits of Classification
Classifying armed kidnapping as terrorism would have several benefits:
– Increased Penalties:
Treating armed kidnappers as terrorists would attract more severe penalties, serving as a deterrent to potential perpetrators.
– Improved International Cooperation:
Classification as terrorism would facilitate international cooperation in combating kidnapping, as countries would be more likely to share intelligence and extradite suspects.
– Enhanced Security Measures:
Recognizing armed kidnapping as terrorism would lead to increased security measures, including more effective surveillance, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement strategies.
It is pertinent to submit that, classifying armed kidnapping as an act of terrorism in Nigeria is a viable initiative that could help combat the menace. While it would require an amendment to the current Terrorism Act, international precedents and the potential benefits of classification make it a worthy consideration.
