We Got Bomb Threats from Terrorists,” Lawmakers Cry Out

ABUJA — The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Muhammad, has revealed that the National Assembly has received direct threats from terrorist groups to bomb the legislative complex. He disclosed this alarming development during a public hearing on a bill to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, a proposed agency aimed at strengthening the safety of lawmakers, staff, and visitors to the National Assembly.

Speaking before stakeholders and security experts, Hon. Muhammad warned that the seat of Nigeria’s democracy has increasingly faced serious security breaches, including car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identification cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.

“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly,” he said.
“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and other individuals who gain easy access to their offices without proper screening or appointments.”

The lawmaker stressed that such threats pose a grave risk to national governance, warning that if urgent measures are not taken, legislative operations could be crippled, endangering the democratic process.

“If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilize our democracy and governance system,” he cautioned.

Call for a Dedicated Legislative Security Directorate

Hon. Muhammad explained that the proposed Legislative Security Directorate seeks to integrate modern, world-class parliamentary security procedures to safeguard the National Assembly complex. The bill, he said, aims to create a holistic, coordinated security structure that can efficiently manage risks and prevent breaches.

“The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasized because Parliament must remain accessible to the public. However, accessibility must not compromise safety,” he noted.

The lawmaker emphasized that while the legislature represents the people and must remain open, security lapses have reached alarming levels that can no longer be ignored.

He further urged state Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to adopt similar frameworks to ensure comprehensive legislative security nationwide, adding that the initiative is crucial for protecting democratic institutions at all levels.

“This bill is a collective responsibility. Its passage will mark a major step toward securing our democracy and ensuring that the legislature continues to function effectively, without fear or disruption,” he concluded.

Security analysts present at the hearing commended the move, describing it as timely and essential amid rising insecurity across the country.

By VOPTV — Voice of the People Television
Bringing Nigerians the truth, transparency, and accountability in governance.

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