The Terrorism Prevention Amendment Bill, which seeks to make provisions for extra territorial application of the 2011 Act, has passed second reading in the Senate.

The Act, when amended, is expected to empower Nigeria’s security forces to tackle acts of terrorism inside and outside Nigeria. It also provides stiffer penalties for sponsors of terrorism.

Sponsor of the bill, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, explained that the motive behind the amendment is to bring the act in line with the new dimension which terrorism has taken in Nigeria.

He added that “the highlight of the amendment sought by this bill is the territorial application of the law because terrorism can be carried out within or outside the country.”

President Goodluck Jonathan requested the modifications to the existing law and a similar push is expected at the House of Representatives.

When operational, Nigerian security forces will be empowered to work with foreign nations, with emphasis on neighbouring countries, to quash extremist threats.

According to Mr Ndoma-Egba, Section two of the original law will be amplified to include “a person who knowingly in or outside Nigeria directly or indirectly does, attempts or threatens any act of terrorism.

The Senate committee on National Security and Intelligence is expected to review the bill ahead of a final reading.