The National Assembly has reportedly received direct threats from terrorists to bomb the legislative complex, according to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad.
Muhammad made the shocking revelation on Tuesday, October 28, during a public hearing on a proposed bill to establish a Legislative Security Directorate, designed to strengthen protection around Nigeria’s top legislative institution.
He warned that the seat of Nigeria’s democracy is facing an array of security challenges — from petty crimes such as vehicle theft, vandalism, and impersonation, to coordinated terrorist threats capable of destabilising the entire governance structure.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex,” Muhammad stated, adding that there have also been “threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly.”
The lawmaker described a worrying level of vulnerability within the complex, citing instances of infiltration by individuals posing as visitors, fake identity card holders, and unregistered persons gaining access to lawmakers’ offices without formal appointments.
He cautioned that failure to address these lapses could cripple democratic governance, warning that a successful attack or disruption could halt legislative operations entirely.
“If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large,” he said.
The proposed Legislative Security Directorate Bill seeks to introduce global best practices in parliamentary security management, including advanced screening systems, controlled access protocols, and coordinated intelligence sharing with national security agencies.
Muhammad stressed that while Parliament must remain accessible to the public as a symbol of democracy, it cannot afford to compromise security. He urged state Houses of Assembly to replicate similar measures, creating a nationwide framework for legislative protection amid rising threats to public institutions.
The revelation underscores growing concern over terrorism and internal security risks in Nigeria, even within the corridors of power.
