PENGASSAN Demands Terror Sponsor Identification from FG
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PENGASSAN Calls for Public Naming and Prosecution of Terrorism Sponsors in Nigeria
Table of Contents
Published December 8, 2025, 02:53:27
Growing Concerns Over Insecurity
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has voiced meaningful concern regarding the escalating insecurity across Nigeria. The union is urging the Federal Government to publicly name and prosecute individuals and entities sponsoring terrorism, citing the detrimental impact on national development and the safety of citizens. This call to action follows a meeting of PENGASSAN’s national Executive Council (NEC) held in Abuja on December 7,2025.
PENGASSAN President,Festus Osifo,stated that insecurity is spreading throughout the country,with a growing number of Nigerians falling victim to attacks,kidnappings,and other violent crimes. He emphasized the urgent need for decisive government intervention to address the crisis.
Legislative Support for Stronger Measures
PENGASSAN’s demand echoes a similar call made by the National Assembly just one day prior. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have independently called for the public naming and prosecution of terrorism financiers during their respective plenary sessions. This bipartisan support signals a growing consensus within the government regarding the necessity of a more aggressive approach to combating terrorism.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele is sponsoring legislation that seeks to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offenses as acts of terrorism. If enacted, this legislation would likely result in stricter penalties for perpetrators and provide law enforcement with broader powers to investigate and prosecute these crimes. Premium Times reported on the National Assembly’s demand on December 6,2025.
The Impact of Kidnapping on National Development
The rise in kidnapping cases is especially alarming, as it directly impacts economic activity and investor confidence. The fear of abduction discourages both domestic and foreign investment, hindering economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, the resources allocated to combating kidnapping divert funds from other critical areas of national development, such as education and healthcare.
According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), incidents of kidnapping in Nigeria have increased substantially in recent years, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions. This trend underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of insecurity and protect citizens.
| Region | Kidnapping Incidents (2023) | Kidnapping Incidents (Jan-Nov 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| North-West | 1,500 | 1,850 |
| North-Central | 800 | 950 |
| South |