NASS Raises Alarm Over Possible Imminent Terrorist Attack on Complex
The National Assembly has disclosed that there have been threats from terrorists to bomb the complex.
This revelation comes as the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security prepares to establish a Legislative Security Directorate to enhance security management and protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
According to Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, the complex has been facing security challenges, including cases of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
The lawmaker expressed concern that if proper measures are not taken, these security challenges could affect legislative activities, destabilize democracy, and affect the stability of the system.
The threat to the National Assembly complex is not new. In May 2021, a security alert warned lawmakers of a planned Boko Haram attack on the complex and other VIP/government locations in Abuja.
Following the alert, the National Assembly limited members’ presence on the premises for safety, and security experts called for stronger federal protection of national infrastructure and assets.
Garba emphasized that legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly.
“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.
“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate the legislative activities in the National Assembly.
“If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all and that will destabilize legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large,” Garba said.
The proposed Legislative Security Directorate aims to address these security concerns and ensure the safety of lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
It is gathered that a few days ago, there were reports that terrorists were planning to attack two states in Nigeria
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
