Lawmakers have raised alarm over threats by terrorists to bomb the National Assembly, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security and the creation of a Legislative Security Directorate.
The House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security has raised alarm over threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex, citing the urgent need to strengthen security within the country’s highest legislative institution.
Chairman of the committee, Garba Muhammad, disclosed this during a public hearing on a bill to establish the Legislative Security Directorate to improve protection for lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly,” Muhammad said. “Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access into their offices without any formal appointment.”
He warned that failure to address security lapses could disrupt legislative operations, saying, “If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise democracy.”
Muhammad said the bill seeks to integrate global best practices in parliamentary security, ensuring that while the National Assembly remains accessible to the public, its safety is never compromised.