In a startling revelation that underscores the fragile security landscape facing Nigeria's democratic institutions, Honourable Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, has disclosed that the National Assembly (NASS) has been targeted with direct threats from terrorists intent on bombing the complex. This bombshell was dropped during a pivotal public hearing on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, focused on a legislative bill proposing the establishment of a dedicated Legislative Security Directorate. The initiative aims to fortify the nation's premier legislative body against a spectrum of escalating dangers, from mundane thefts to catastrophic acts of terrorism that could unravel the very fabric of governance.
The public hearing, held amidst growing concerns over national security, served as a platform for Muhammad to lay bare the vulnerabilities plaguing the National Assembly complex in Abuja. He painted a grim picture of the institution—often hailed as the heartbeat of Nigeria's democracy—now grappling with threats that extend far beyond symbolic gestures. "We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex," Muhammad declared unequivocally, his words echoing the gravity of intelligence reports that have evidently reached the highest echelons of legislative leadership. This is not mere rhetoric; it reflects a tangible escalation in the audacious tactics employed by extremist groups operating within and beyond Nigeria's borders.
Compounding these terrorist menaces are additional warnings from protest movements. Muhammad highlighted "threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly," illustrating how civil unrest could morph into deliberate sabotage. In a country where public demonstrations have historically challenged authority—sometimes peacefully, other times violently—these proclamations signal a dual-front assault on the legislature: one from armed non-state actors and another from disaffected citizens. The convergence of such threats paints a dystopian scenario where the seat of lawmaking becomes a battleground, potentially paralyzing the democratic process.
Delving deeper into the everyday perils, Muhammad elaborated on the pervasive security lapses that have turned the National Assembly into a soft target. He described a litany of petty yet persistent crimes, including the theft of cars and motorcycles, as well as acts of vandalism that erode the institution's dignity and operational efficiency. These incidents, while not headline-grabbing on their own, contribute to a culture of impunity and distract from the core mandate of legislation. More alarmingly, the Chairman pointed to the acute risk of infiltration, a stealthier threat that could enable the very bombings or lockdowns he warned against.
Lawmakers, Muhammad explained, are particularly exposed due to the open-door policy inherent in representative democracy. Constituily accessible by constituents and visitors, their offices become conduits for potential harm. "Easy access into their offices without any formal appointment," he noted, allows individuals with malicious intent to blend in seamlessly. Compounding this is the proliferation of fake identity cards and the unchecked entry of unregistered visitors, creating loopholes that sophisticated adversaries could exploit. In an era where espionage and insider threats are rampant globally, these vulnerabilities at the National Assembly represent a microcosm of broader national security failures.
The implications of inaction, as articulated by Muhammad, are nothing short of catastrophic for Nigeria's fledgling democracy. He issued a stern caution: should these security gaps remain unaddressed, the consequences could cascade through the entire governance structure. "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." This prophetic warning evokes images of a legislature in chaos: debates silenced, bills stalled, and the executive branch unchecked without parliamentary scrutiny. Representation—the cornerstone of democracy—would evaporate, leaving millions voiceless. Oversight functions, crucial for holding the government accountable, would cease, inviting corruption and inefficiency. The annual budget process, vital for national development, would grind to a halt, exacerbating economic woes in a country already battling inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.
Furthermore, the absence of plenary sessions would disrupt the rhythmic pulse of lawmaking, potentially leading to constitutional crises. In a nation as diverse and fractious as Nigeria, with its ethnic, religious, and regional fault lines, such destabilization could ignite wider unrest, undermining the stability that has been hard-won since the return to civilian rule in 1999. Muhammad's words serve as a clarion call, reminding stakeholders that the National Assembly is not just a building but the bulwark against authoritarian backsliding.
At the heart of the solution lies the proposed bill for a Legislative Security Directorate, a forward-thinking measure designed to import "world best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture." Drawing inspiration from global models—such as the robust protocols in the U.S. Capitol or the U.K. Parliament—the directorate would integrate advanced surveillance, vetted access controls, and specialized training for security personnel. It envisions a layered defense: physical barriers, technological safeguards like biometric screening, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to preempt threats.
Muhammad was careful to balance security imperatives with democratic principles. While advocating for ironclad protections, he stressed that Parliament must remain "accessible to the public to uphold democratic values." This accessibility ensures that lawmakers stay connected to the electorate, fostering transparency and inclusivity. However, he argued, this openness cannot come at the expense of safety; compromises must be intelligent and proportionate. The directorate would thus symbolize a mature evolution in Nigeria's parliamentary security, blending vigilance with vigilance.
Looking beyond the federal level, Muhammad urged state Houses of Assembly to emulate this initiative. Nigeria's federal structure demands uniformity in legislative security to prevent a chain reaction of vulnerabilities. If state assemblies fall prey to similar threats, the ripple effects could weaken subnational governance, from local budgeting to policy implementation. A nationwide adoption would create a cohesive security framework, enhancing overall national resilience.
This disclosure and the accompanying bill come at a critical juncture for Nigeria. The country continues to contend with insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and separatist agitations in the southeast. Terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have demonstrated adaptability, shifting from rural strongholds to urban targets. Protests, fueled by economic hardships and governance failures, have occasionally turned violent, as seen in the #EndSARS movement. Against this backdrop, securing the National Assembly is not just about protecting bricks and mortar but safeguarding the democratic experiment itself.
Public reaction to Muhammad's revelations has been mixed, with civil society groups praising the transparency while calling for swift action. Security experts have echoed the need for the directorate, citing international precedents where fortified legislatures have withstood sieges. Opposition voices, however, caution against over-militarization, fearing it could alienate the public and erode trust.
In conclusion, Honourable Garba Muhammad's expose on October 28, 2025, has thrust legislative security into the national spotlight. The threats of bombings, lockdowns, thefts, and infiltrations demand immediate, decisive responses. The proposed Legislative Security Directorate offers a blueprint for resilience, ensuring that Nigeria's democracy endures amid adversity. As the bill progresses through hearings and debates, the onus is on lawmakers to prioritize this over partisan squabbles. Failure to act could indeed destabilize the nation, but success would fortify the pillars of representation, oversight, and stability for generations to come. With state assemblies encouraged to follow suit, this could mark a transformative era in securing Nigeria's legislative institutions against the shadows of threat.
