TERRORISTS THREATEN TO BOMB NATIONAL ASSEMBLY — LAWMAKER RAISES ALARM
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Chairman, House Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Muhammad, has revealed receiving direct threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex.
Speaking in Abuja during a public hearing on a Bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, Muhammad stressed the urgent need for stronger security measures to safeguard the nation’s legislative seat, which attracts heavy daily traffic from lawmakers, staff, executive officials, civil society groups, and protesters.
He noted that the complex had experienced various security breaches, including vandalism, theft, fake identity cards, and unauthorized access, warning that the threats were becoming more alarming.
According to him, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and also from protesters threatening to lock it up. Legislators face constant risks from individuals who easily gain access to their offices without proper clearance.”
The Inspector General of Police, represented by AIG Emmanuel Aina, cautioned that creating a new Directorate could result in overlapping functions with existing security agencies, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) supported the proposal but called for a review of some clauses.
Representatives of State Houses of Assembly and their Clerks, however, described the Bill as a step in the right direction to enhance security within the legislature and ensure structured career progression for staff.