Lawmakers on Edge as Terror Threat Targets National Assembly Complex

Lawmakers on Edge as Terror Threat Targets National Assembly Complex

Heightened concern has gripped members of Nigeria’s Federal Legislature following reported threats by terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex. The revelation was made by Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, during a public hearing held Tuesday in Abuja.

Speaking on a proposed bill to establish a Legislative Security Directorate, Muhammad emphasized the urgent need to strengthen internal security within the parliamentary premises. He noted that criminal elements are exploiting existing lapses, making the National Assembly a vulnerable target.

“We’ve received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and from protesters to shut it down,” Muhammad stated. “Lawmakers are also at risk from constituents and others who gain access to their offices without formal appointments.”

The bill under review, HB 1632, 2024 seeks to create a structured security framework for the National Assembly, including qualifications and service conditions for the Sergeant-at-Arms and other personnel. Muhammad said the initiative aims to align Nigeria’s parliamentary security with global best practices.

He cited growing insecurity within the complex, including incidents of theft, vandalism, fake identification, and unrestricted access by traders and unauthorized individuals. He warned that failure to address these issues could disrupt legislative functions and threaten democratic governance.

“If proper measures are not taken, there will be no plenary, no budget, no oversight, and this will destabilize governance and the nation at large,” he cautioned.

The proposed directorate would provide coordinated protection for lawmakers, staff, visitors, and property, mirroring systems in other national parliaments.

Muhammad also encouraged state assemblies to adopt similar measures, stressing that public access must be balanced with safety.

Support for the bill came from representatives of state assemblies including Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau, as well as the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), who described the proposal as timely and necessary.

However, concerns were raised by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Emmanuel Aina warned that the creation of a separate directorate could lead to overlapping responsibilities and weaken existing inter-agency collaboration.