Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, has expressed concern about fresh security threats directed at the National Assembly, disclosing that terrorist groups have issued warnings to attack the legislative complex.

During a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, Committee Chairman Garba Muhammad announced that the bill to establish the Legislative Security Directorate—a proposed agency aimed at coordinating and enhancing security for lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the National Assembly—was under consideration.

According to him, the National Assembly complex, which houses both the Senate and the House of Representatives, has been grappling with rising security challenges in recent months, including car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, infiltration by unregistered visitors, and the use of fake identity cards.

Muhammad confirmed the threats, saying, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly.”

He cautioned that continued security lapses could cripple legislative operations and endanger Nigeria’s democracy. “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 destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large,” he said.

He emphasized that robust and coordinated security management is crucial for the legislature to function effectively. He noted that the proposed bill seeks to institutionalize modern security practices and align with international parliamentary standards.

“That is why this bill is important,” he added. “It seeks to address all the challenges as aforesaid and adopt the world’s best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture. The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasised because parliament has to remain accessible to the public.

“However, this bill is committed to ensuring the best security architecture in the National Assembly to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property”. He added.

He also urged State Houses of Assembly to adopt similar proactive steps to secure their legislative complexes nationwide. He called on all relevant stakeholders to support the speedy passage of the bill, describing it as an essential move toward protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“I wish us a peaceful and fruitful hearing that will ultimately bring a turnaround in the National Assembly’s security architecture,” he concluded.

However, for safety, legislators have been advised to use the less-crowded Presidential Gate for entry and exit to reduce exposure to potential attacks. The security alert also comes amid reports that Boko Haram insurgents and other extremist groups have been sighted operating in parts of Niger State, which shares a border with the Federal Capital Territory.

Also, following intelligence warnings, access to the National Assembly premises has reportedly been restricted, with only essential personnel allowed within the building.

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