The National Assembly has disclosed that there have been threats from terrorists to bomb the complex. This was confirmed by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad.
He called for urgent fortification of the edifice as a proactive measure. Garba made this disclosure at a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, which seeks to enhance security management, protect the lawmakers, staff members, and visitors to the nation’s parliament.
According to him, the complex has been facing security challenges, including cases of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
Recall that a similar incident happened on May 4, 2021, when a security alert warned lawmakers of a planned Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly complex and other VIP/government locations in Abuja.
Following the alert, the National Assembly limited members’ presence on the premises for safety, and security experts called for stronger federal protection of national infrastructure and assets.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly. Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.
“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate the legislative activities in the National Assembly.
“If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large,” Garba said.
Recall that recently, there were reports that terrorists were planning to attack two states in Nigeria.
