Nigeria’s House of Representatives has passed a critical resolution demanding that the Federal Government publicly identify, sanction, and prosecute all individuals and entities involved in funding terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.
The resolution, adopted during Wednesday’s plenary session, followed the comprehensive consideration of the report generated from the chamber’s three-day special security debate held last week. Lawmakers argued that shielding these financiers only emboldens criminal networks and undermines national efforts to achieve stability.
Key Mandates for Enhanced Justice and Security
The final report, which contains over 40 recommendations and will be forwarded to the Senate for concurrence before transmission to the President, security agencies, and state governments, focused heavily on strengthening both the investigative and judicial response to Nigeria’s insecurity crisis.
1. Public Naming and Prosecution of Financiers
The central demand urges the executive arm to prioritize the unmasking and prosecution of those bankrolling criminal activities. Key recommendations included:
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Public Identification: That financiers of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping be publicly named, sanctioned, and prosecuted.
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Transparency: That terrorism-related prosecutions be open, expeditious, and transparent to build public confidence in the justice system.
2. Judicial and Legal Reform
Acknowledging the slow pace of current terrorism trials (often known as the Kainji Mass Trials), the House called for significant judicial reforms to ensure swifter justice:
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Special Court: Establishment of a special court dedicated solely to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping cases. This is intended to ensure faster, more coordinated judicial proceedings.
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Stricter Penalties: The parliamentarians mandated that the penalties for arms trafficking and illegal possession of weapons should be strengthened and strictly enforced to stem the flow of illicit arms fueling insecurity.
3. Peace and Reconciliation
Beyond immediate prosecution, the House also recommended the establishment of a Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission to address extremist, communal, and religiously motivated violence, aiming for a long-term resolution to conflict drivers.
