Lawmakers On Edge: Terror Threat Sparks Urgent Push For Tighter Security At National Assembly
By IFEOMA IZUCHUKWU
NIGERIA’S parliament is on high alert after lawmakers disclosed a chilling terror threat to bomb the National Assembly complex in Abuja — a revelation that has reignited debate over the security of one of the country’s most important institutions.
At a recent plenary, Garba Muhammad, chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, said the committee had received credible threats from terrorists and protesters alike, warning of possible attacks and disruptions. Though he did not specify the group or timing, his comments underscored growing fears amid a resurgence of insecurity in the capital.
Abuja has witnessed multiple bombing incidents since 2011, from the Boko Haram attack on the UN building that killed 18 people to the more recent blasts in January and May 2025, which claimed several lives.
Muhammad warned that without stronger protection, Nigeria’s democratic processes could be endangered.
“If proper measures are not taken, there will be no plenary, no budget, no oversight — and that will destabilise governance and democracy,” he said.
To address the risks, the House is considering a new bill to establish a Legislative Security Directorate, which would strengthen internal security, regulate access, and professionalise the duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms and security personnel within the complex.
Lawmakers say the move is long overdue. Reports of vehicle thefts, fake ID entries, vandalism, and unrestricted visitor access have become common inside the Assembly, despite its status as a restricted area.
Supporters, including members of state assemblies and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), described the initiative as essential for safeguarding legislative independence.
However, both the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have expressed reservations, warning that a parallel security structure could cause overlapping responsibilities.
As debates continue, one message from the lawmakers stands out: a secure parliament is not just about protecting politicians — it is about preserving the heart of Nigeria’s democracy.
