Activists have condemned the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu for opposing the death penalty for terrorists and kidnappers, alleging that foreign influence, particularly from the United States, drives the position.

Mahdi Shehu, speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, said the government’s stance sends a “dangerous signal” at a time of rising insecurity, killings, and abductions in Nigeria.

“When the Tinubu government openly opposes the death penalty for terrorists and kidnappers, it sends a clear message that foreign interests are dictating Nigeria’s policies,” Shehu said. He argued there is no justification for sparing the lives of individuals whose main trade is terrorizing and killing innocent citizens.

Shehu warned lawmakers against supporting any move to remove the death penalty, noting that failure to act could have personal consequences if terrorism or banditry affects them or their families. He also criticized the U.S. for opposing capital punishment in Nigeria while continuing to carry out executions domestically, suggesting foreign powers benefit from Nigeria’s insecurity for economic gain.

Security analyst Yahuza Getso echoed Shehu’s stance, describing opposition to the death penalty for kidnappers as “irresponsible” and urging tougher measures to protect citizens.

The debate follows recent actions by the Senate to confront rising insecurity, particularly the increase in kidnapping and terrorism. On November 26, the Senate declared kidnapping a form of terrorism and recommended the death penalty for offenders. This followed a November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others, all of whom were later rescued.

A bill amending Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Act to impose the death penalty without the option of a fine for kidnapping-related offenses has passed second reading in the Senate and is currently under review by relevant committees. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly endorsed the measure as a necessary deterrent.

However, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) opposes the move, warning that mandatory capital punishment could undermine Nigeria’s cooperation with international partners, hinder extradition efforts, and inadvertently glorify terrorists. Fagbemi emphasized that executions may not serve as a deterrent against ideologically driven perpetrators and could harm Nigeria’s standing in global counter-terrorism initiatives.