By Adejumo Michael –
OSOGBO – Retired military officer and security advocate, Brigadier General Biodun Bashir Adewinmbi (Rtd), has called for the introduction of stricter legal measures, including the death penalty and the establishment of special courts, to address the escalating challenges of kidnapping and banditry in Osun State and across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, Adewinmbi described kidnapping and banditry as serious threats to national security, economic development, and public safety, warning that the activities of criminal gangs continue to inflict severe hardship on citizens and undermine public confidence in government institutions.
According to him, victims of kidnappers and armed bandits cut across all segments of society, including farmers, students, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business owners, women, and security personnel. He noted that the crimes have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of livelihoods, and widespread fear among residents.
The retired Army General argued that kidnapping and banditry have evolved beyond ordinary criminal offences and should be treated as acts of terrorism, economic sabotage, and crimes against humanity.
As part of measures to curb the menace, Adewinmbi urged the Osun State House of Assembly to enact legislation prescribing the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping and banditry within the state. He maintained that such a law would serve as a strong deterrent and demonstrate the government’s resolve to confront violent crimes decisively.
He further noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers state legislatures to enact laws aimed at ensuring peace, order, and good governance, providing a legal basis for stronger anti-kidnapping legislation.
In addition, Adewinmbi proposed the creation of Special Mobile Courts or Fast-Track Security Courts dedicated to handling cases involving kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. According to him, the courts should conduct day-to-day hearings, eliminate unnecessary adjournments, and deliver judgments within 21 to 30 days after investigations have been concluded.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated, emphasizing that speedy prosecution and adjudication would strengthen public trust in the justice system and discourage criminal activities.
The security expert also called on the Osun State Ministry of Justice to establish a Special Prosecution Unit dedicated to kidnapping and banditry cases. He said the unit should work closely with security agencies to monitor investigations, ensure prompt filing of charges, and facilitate effective prosecution of offenders.
Addressing members of the judiciary and the legal profession, Adewinmbi urged judges to accord priority to cases involving public security while encouraging lawyers to uphold professional ethics and avoid actions capable of unnecessarily delaying the administration of justice.
On security operations, he advocated improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance of forests and criminal hideouts, deployment of modern security technologies, and stronger collaboration among the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the military, Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups, and local hunters.
He also stressed the importance of community policing and grassroots intelligence-sharing as essential components of an effective security architecture.
While advocating tougher sanctions for offenders, Adewinmbi emphasized the need to uphold human rights and the rule of law. He insisted that suspects must be granted fair hearing and that investigations should be professional, evidence-based, and conducted in strict compliance with constitutional provisions.
The retired military officer further called on state governors, members of state Houses of Assembly, Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice, the judiciary, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to work collectively toward establishing a comprehensive legal and institutional framework capable of permanently eradicating kidnapping and banditry.
He reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, stressing that sustainable development cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
“The time has come for stronger laws, speedy justice, effective law enforcement, and active community participation to restore peace and security across Osun State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The press conference concluded with a renewed call for coordinated action among all stakeholders in the fight against violent crime and a commitment to ensuring that Osun State and neighbouring communities do not become safe havens for kidnappers and bandits.
