Civil Society Coalition Urges Execution of Kidnappers

A coalition of over 20 civil society organizations, led by Isah Abubakar, the National President of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, has called on governors across Nigeria to sign execution warrants for condemned kidnappers and other criminals. This appeal was made during a press conference in Kaduna on October 1, 2026, coinciding with Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.

Abubakar praised the recent death sentence given to convicted kidnappers in Edo state and urged governors to demonstrate political will in enforcing judicial decisions. He highlighted that prolonged delays in executing capital sentences could undermine efforts to deter violent crime and impose financial burdens on taxpayers due to the indefinite custody of condemned prisoners.

The coalition also announced the suspension of a planned protest due to security concerns, emphasizing the importance of public safety. Abubakar acknowledged improvements in security along the Abuja-Kaduna highway and called for community cooperation in providing intelligence to security agencies.