The House of Representatives on Monday raised fresh concerns over mounting security threats to the National Assembly Complex, revealing that terrorists have issued threats to bomb the country’s legislative seat of power.
Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Muhammad, made the shocking disclosure during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, a proposed agency to strengthen security operations within the National Assembly.
Garba said intelligence reports and recent incidents have exposed the complex to multiple security vulnerabilities, including infiltration by unregistered visitors, vandalism, theft of cars and motorcycles, and circulation of fake identity cards.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly,” the lawmaker said.
“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment,” he added.
The lawmaker warned that failure to strengthen security around the National Assembly could have grave consequences for the country’s democracy.
“If proper measures are not taken, it will truncate legislative activities. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise our legislative procedure, democracy, and national stability,” he cautioned.
Garba urged the federal government and relevant security agencies to take urgent steps to fortify the complex as a proactive measure against any possible attack.
He recalled that a similar security alert was issued on May 4, 2021, when intelligence reports suggested a planned Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly and other key government buildings in Abuja.
The development, at the time, forced a restriction on lawmakers’ physical presence within the premises.
The proposed Legislative Security Directorate bill seeks to create a dedicated security structure responsible for safeguarding lawmakers, staff members, and visitors, as well as managing emergency response systems within the legislative complex.
Observers say the renewed alarm underscores growing insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory and raises serious questions about the protection of national institutions amid heightened threats from terrorists and violent groups.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
