Advocacy Intelligence and Development Partners (AIDP) has commended the Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, for sponsoring a bill seeking capital punishment for terrorism, describing the move as bold and necessary in the face of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Osabinu Olufemi, the group said Senator Bamidele demonstrated uncommon legislative courage by placing national survival above political sentiment at a time when the country is battling insurgency, banditry, mass kidnappings and violent extremism.

AIDP noted that terrorism in Nigeria has evolved from sporadic attacks into a systemic, organised, and ideological threat, citing the activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed bandit networks. The group said such groups deliberately target civilians and seek to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state.

According to the advocacy group, the bill is not driven by vengeance but by the need for deterrence and effective state response. It quoted the Senate Leader as saying, “When terrorists declare war on a state, the state must respond with laws that reflect the gravity of the war.”

The group argued that weak or negotiable penalties have failed to deter terrorism, stressing that the proposed law would send a clear message that terrorism “is not activism or grievance politics, but mass murder,” and that those who organise, finance or carry out terror attacks would face the maximum punishment.

On the debate surrounding human rights and capital punishment, AIDP maintained that the protection of innocent lives must take precedence. The group said elevating the rights of terrorists above those of their victims amounted to a distortion of justice.

While acknowledging concerns about judicial error and possible political misuse, the group said such issues should be addressed through stronger investigative processes, judicial independence, and robust appellate safeguards, rather than opposition to the bill itself.

AIDP also criticised lawmakers who oppose the bill without proposing credible alternatives, warning that silence or hesitation in the face of terrorism undermines national security.

The group called on the National Assembly to support the bill, saying decisive legal action was essential to restoring public confidence, strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework and affirming the authority of the state.