“We’ve Received Threats from Terrorists to Bomb National Assembly Complex” – Rep Garba Muhammad

The National Assembly complex in Abuja has reportedly received threats from terrorists to bomb the facility, according to Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security.

Muhammad made the disclosure during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, an initiative aimed at strengthening security management and safeguarding lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the nation’s parliament.

He noted that the National Assembly has been facing persistent security challenges, including car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, the use of fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.

The lawmaker stressed the need for urgent reinforcement of security measures around the complex, warning that inaction could disrupt legislative operations. “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 also exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain access to their offices without formal appointments.”

Muhammad cautioned that if the security situation is not addressed promptly, it could cripple legislative functions. “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,” he warned.

A similar alert was issued on May 4, 2021, warning lawmakers of a planned Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly complex and other government facilities in Abuja. Following that warning, access to the complex was restricted while security experts called for stronger federal protection of key national institutions.