The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, on Tuesday revealed that the National Assembly has received threats from terrorists intending to bomb the complex, urging urgent fortification as a proactive response.
Speaking at a public hearing in Abuja on a bill to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, he emphasized the need to enhance security management to protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors to the nation’s parliament. Muhammad highlighted ongoing security challenges at the complex housing the Senate, House of Representatives, and various offices, including incidents of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
He recalled a similar security alert on May 4, 2021, when a Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly and other key government locations was thwarted following intensified security measures, including strict vehicle checks and advisories for lawmakers to use less-congested entry points. The alert underscored Boko Haram’s increasing threat, with insurgents reportedly operating as close as Niger State near Abuja. Consequently, the National Assembly limited members’ access for safety, prompting calls from security experts for stronger federal protection of national infrastructure.
Muhammad noted, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly.” He further warned that legislators are vulnerable to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to offices without formal appointments. He stressed that if security challenges are not adequately addressed, legislative activities could be severely disrupted, undermining representation, oversight, budget approval, plenary sessions, and ultimately, the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system.
The Kano lawmaker underlined that robust security demands a holistic, multi-layered, and coordinated approach to safeguard the National Assembly environment, enabling lawmakers to perform their duties peacefully. This, he explained, is the core aim of the proposed bill which seeks to align parliamentary security with global best practices. Muhammad stressed the importance of effective security measures that maintain public accessibility while ensuring safety for legislators, staff, visitors, and property within the complex.
He also called on State Houses of Assembly nationwide to urgently strengthen security around their premises. He urged all stakeholders to support the swift passage of the bill, describing it as a crucial step toward securing Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Concluding, Muhammad wished for a peaceful and productive hearing that would significantly improve security architecture at the National Assembly.
