The hallowed chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly — a symbol of democratic governance and representation — have come under a new kind of threat. This time, not from political upheaval or legislative standoffs, but from terrorists allegedly plotting to bomb the very heart of the nation’s democracy.
The alarming revelation came on Tuesday from the Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Muhammad, during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate (LSD) — a new agency envisioned to protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the National Assembly complex.
Muhammad’s tone was grave. Intelligence reports, he said, had indicated that terrorist groups were actively planning to attack the National Assembly. “We have received credible threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex,” he disclosed. “There are also threats from protesters who have vowed to lock up the National Assembly. Legislators are becoming increasingly vulnerable, with individuals gaining access to offices without prior appointment or proper clearance.”
His statement struck a nerve among attendees, reflecting growing anxiety within the legislature. Over the past months, the National Assembly has reportedly witnessed several security lapses — from theft of vehicles and vandalism to the circulation of fake identity cards and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
For many lawmakers, these incidents underscore a deeper issue: the porous state of security in what should be one of the most secured institutions in the country.
“If adequate measures are not taken,” Muhammad warned, “legislative activities may be forced to halt. Without plenary sessions, there will be no representation, no oversight, no national budget — and that will endanger both our democracy and the stability of our nation.”
The proposed Legislative Security Directorate, he explained, would function as a dedicated agency responsible for coordinating and enforcing security within the National Assembly. The move, he said, aligns with global best practices where parliamentary complexes enjoy specialized protection distinct from general police duties.
Beyond the federal legislature, Muhammad urged State Houses of Assembly to also tighten their security networks. According to him, the threat to legislative institutions is a threat to the very foundation of democratic governance.
“Parliament must remain accessible to the people, but accessibility should never compromise safety,” he emphasized. “This bill aims to strike that balance — ensuring that legislators, staff, visitors, and property are protected under a modern and effective security framework.”
The proposed directorate, if established, could redefine how Nigeria safeguards its democratic institutions — particularly at a time when insecurity continues to test the resilience of both citizens and state structures.
For many observers, Tuesday’s revelation serves as a wake-up call. The National Assembly, often seen as a fortress of lawmaking and oversight, now finds itself facing a more existential challenge — survival in the face of terror threats.
Whether the new security framework will materialize swiftly enough to deter potential attacks remains to be seen. But for lawmakers and citizens alike, one truth stands clear: democracy cannot thrive where the safety of its custodians is under siege.
