NBA Demands Pre-Emptive Action Against Kidnapping, Terrorism

…Unveils 2026 Annual Conference Theme

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government to move beyond reactive security measures and adopt pre-emptive strategies to end kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria.

The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, made the call on Friday during the unveiling of the theme for the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference (AGC).

Osigwe warned that the country can no longer afford a culture of responding only after tragedies have occurred. He stressed that insecurity has reached a level where bold and unconventional steps are now unavoidable.

“It is not enough to keep rescuing people after they have been kidnapped. We must go beyond mere platitudes and take pre-emptive actions to ensure that kidnapping is brought to an end and that terrorism is decisively confronted,” he said.

“This is the time to move out of our comfort zone and do that which we have not done. Nigeria must go beyond assurances that all will be well. The actions of those in authority must show that they are ready to go beyond limits to find solutions to our problems,” he added.

According to him, the legal profession must take the lead in shaping national conversations on security, governance and the rule of law.

“As partners in building this nation, we in the NBA must face whatever limitations is placed against us, whether physical, mental, political or Socio-Economic, this is the time to dismantle those obstacles.”
“Going Beyond Limits”

Osigwe announced that the theme of the Conference is “Going Beyond Limits,” describing it as a direct response to the current realities facing the country.

“We chose that theme because we felt Nigerians and legal practitioners must learn to do things differently. This year, we have decided to take that further by choosing Going Beyond Limits. It may sound like a motivational theme, but at a time like this, it is a call to action,” he said.

“This is a time when school children were abducted in large numbers, when insecurity is spreading, and when Nigeria faces serious international scrutiny. It is a time for us to go beyond limits — beyond our comfort zones — and be part of finding solutions to Nigerian problems,” Osigwe added.

The NBA President announced that the 2026 Annual General Conference will hold in Enugu from August 22 to 29, 2026 urging members of the association to get ready to be part of it.

“We are mindful of the economic situation in the country, that is why NEC has approved that we retain the same conference fees as last year. We want to encourage participation and not impose additional hardship on our members.”

He said the NBA is also intensifying efforts to secure sponsors and partners so that members will not bear the full cost of hosting the conference.

He disclosed that his tenure as NBA President will formally end at the close of the conference on August 29, 2026.

The NBA leadership also renewed its advocacy for stronger use of law and technology in combating crime, particularly kidnapping.

Referring to the killing of lawyer Mediatrix Chigbo, Osigwe criticised the failure of law enforcement to respond promptly despite being alerted by her family.

“We must leverage on the law and technology to tackle these issues. We must make it difficult for kidnappers to collect ransom. That is one of the most practical ways to deal with this menace.”

“We are an advocacy group, and we will continue to advocate for better leadership,” he said.

Osigwe also announced the opening of a new support office, an initiative for young lawyers who cannot afford to rent workspaces.

He disclosed that the facility was furnished by Chief James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and is designed to assist newly qualified lawyers, many of whom struggle to secure placements in established law firms.

“It is estimated that about 70 per cent of those who join the profession yearly hardly have the opportunity to work with any law firm. This centre will give them a place to stabilise, do some work and move forward,” he said.

He explained that beneficiaries will be allowed to use the facility for a period of three months, after which they are expected to become self-sustaining.

He added that the centre has been named after a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession and his longstanding support for young lawyers.

“We do not want to wait for people to die before we honour them. By celebrating him today, we are telling generations yet unborn that excellence, integrity and generosity matter in this profession.”

Also speaking, Abdul Mohammed, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chairman of the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, said the theme Going Beyond Limits represents more than a slogan.

“We are launching a movement within the Bar, a commitment to push boundaries and redefine possibilities,” Mohammed said.

“We are living in an era of rapid change, and our profession must learn to think beyond old boundaries. We must invest in inclusive education, empower our members, mentor the next generation and promote ethical leadership.”

He assured the association that the committee will work tirelessly to ensure that the conference will be a huge success.