Reps Move Against Ransom Payments, Demand End to Criminal Rehabilitation Programmes
Reps Move Against Ransom Payments, Demand End to Criminal Rehabilitation Programmes
By Our Correspondent
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The House of Representatives has called for sweeping changes to Nigeria's anti-kidnapping strategy, urging the Federal Government to discontinue rehabilitation programmes for convicted criminal elements while strengthening measures to choke ransom payments.
The lawmakers argued that individuals involved in kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes should face the full weight of the law instead of benefiting from deradicalisation initiatives.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Ademola Kuku, which also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, financial regulators and financial institutions to dismantle the financial networks sustaining organised crime.
Among other recommendations, the House urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and relevant agencies to intensify surveillance of suspicious transactions linked to kidnapping, terrorism and banditry
Lawmakers also recommended comprehensive audits of Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions in high-risk communities, tighter oversight of Bureau de Change operators and improved financial intelligence infrastructure to track illicit money flows.
The House maintained that weakening the financial lifeline of criminal gangs is critical to tackling Nigeria's worsening insecurity.
Should the government completely ban ransom payments, even if it could endanger kidnap victims? Tell us what you think.

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