• Bomb
• National Assembly
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REVEALS TERRORIST BOMB THREATS AGAINST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, PROPOSES NEW SECURITY AGENCY

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  CapitalTimesNews / 1 month
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• 2 min read

The House of Representatives has expressed grave concern over escalating security threats targeting the National Assembly, including a specific terrorist threat to bomb the legislative complex. This alarming disclosure was made by the Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, during a public hearing on Tuesday in Abuja. The hearing focused on a critical bill designed to establish a specialized security body for the parliament. The proposed legislation, known as “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment and Functions of the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to Provide for the Qualification and Conditions of Service of the Sergeant-at-Arms and Other Personnel of the Directorate and for Related Matters, 2024 (HB 1632),” aims to create a dedicated internal security agency for the legislative arm of government. Muhammad emphasized that recent intelligence reports and a series of security incidents have exposed the National Assembly as increasingly vulnerable to criminal and terrorist activities. He detailed that the complex faces daily risks due to the large influx of visitors, lobbyists, demonstrators, and other personnel. “The National Assembly is facing multiple security challenges, including car thefts, motorcycle thefts, vandalism, fake identity cards, and unauthorized access by visitors,” Muhammad stated. “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the complex and threats from protesters to lock it down. Legislators are exposed to potential harm from constituents and other individuals who gain access without formal appointments.” He further warned that inadequate security measures could severely disrupt essential legislative activities, impacting plenary sessions, budget approvals, oversight functions, and the overall governance of the nation. Stressing the urgency of the situation, Muhammad highlighted the need for a comprehensive security strategy that integrates multiple protective elements. “This Bill is crucial because it aims to address these challenges and aligns with international best practices in parliamentary security and infrastructure,” he said. He also called on State Houses of Assembly across the country to adopt similar security frameworks to safeguard their own legislative spaces. If enacted into law, the Legislative Security Directorate will be responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and operations of the Sergeant-at-Arms and other security personnel tasked with protecting lawmakers, staff, visitors, and government property within the National Assembly complex.