The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Assembly to amend the country’s anti-terrorism laws to make terrorism and related violent crimes punishable by death, following the killing of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe in captivity.
The group said the murder of the retired Army officer by terrorists underscores the need for a more aggressive national response to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rejecting demands by the abductors for the release of detained terrorist suspects in exchange for their victim.
The rights group, however, urged the Federal Government to move beyond public declarations and embark on what it described as an uncompromising offensive against criminal groups threatening national security.
According to HURIWA, the killing of General Rabe represents a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian State and demonstrates the growing audacity of terrorist and bandit groups operating across the country.
“The murder of General Rabe is yet another painful reminder that terrorists do not seek peace, dialogue or reconciliation. They seek fear, bloodshed and the destabilisation of the Nigerian State,” the group said.
HURIWA also cited the recent killing of 17 farmers in Goron Namaye community of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State by suspected bandits as evidence of the worsening security situation in the country.
The organisation noted that the attack, which reportedly left at least 13 other victims injured, occurred shortly after news of the retired General’s death emerged.
It argued that the recurring incidents of mass killings, kidnappings, attacks on schools and destruction of rural communities point to a broader national security crisis requiring urgent intervention.
The group expressed concern that terrorists and bandits have continued to operate with increasing confidence due to what it described as weaknesses in law enforcement and delays within the criminal justice system.
To address the situation, HURIWA urged lawmakers to amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify terrorism, insurgency, terrorist financing, mass kidnapping and large-scale attacks on civilians as capital offences punishable by death upon conviction.
It also called for the establishment of special terrorism courts with accelerated hearing procedures and time-bound appeal processes to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in terrorism-related cases.
The organisation further advocated a review of the existing moratorium on the implementation of death sentences, arguing that individuals convicted of terrorism and mass murder should face the maximum punishment allowed by law after exhausting all constitutional legal processes.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria is facing a prolonged security emergency that cannot be addressed through what it described as half-measures or routine condemnations following attacks.
The group urged the Federal Government to intensify intelligence gathering and launch sustained military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit strongholds across the country.
According to the association, the deaths of General Rabe and the slain Zamfara farmers should serve as a turning I’llpoint in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
It warned that failure to act decisively could expose more communities to violence and deepen the country’s security challenges.
“The time for extraordinary measures is now,” the statement added.