The House of Representatives has raised the alarm after receiving what lawmakers described as credible threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Lawmakers warned the threats — together with protests and lapses in access control — could truncate legislative business and pose a serious risk to the country’s democratic processes unless urgent security measures are taken. (Premium Times Nigeria)
House members told reporters the threat comes amid rising security concerns facing the capital, and highlighted how easy access to members’ offices by constituents and visitors increases exposure to attack. Lawmakers said both the terrorist threat and threats from protesters intent on “locking up” the legislature were a matter of grave public interest. (Premium Times Nigeria)
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly,” a lawmaker identified in reports as Mr Muhammad said, warning that without tightened security the legislative calendar could be disrupted. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Security and governance implications
Security analysts and some lawmakers said the warning is a reminder that critical national institutions remain high-value targets for violent groups operating in and around the country. Abuja has recorded serious security incidents in recent months, including explosive-device attacks in locations on the city’s outskirts, reinforcing concerns about the capital’s vulnerability. (AP News)
What lawmakers want
Members of the House urged the National Assembly Management to review and tighten physical access controls, strengthen collaboration with security agencies, and fast-track contingency planning for legislative continuity. Several reports quoted Representatives urging a review of visitor screening, restricted access to sensitive areas, and coordinated intelligence-sharing with the Department of State Services (DSS), the police and other security organs. (Punch Nigeria)
Security agencies and official responses
At the time of reporting, major security agencies had not released a detailed public statement clarifying the source of the threat or immediate mitigation steps; local outlets say lawmakers have called on the DSS and police to take urgent action. The absence of a public, detailed security response has prompted calls from some legislators for transparency on the nature of the threat and steps being taken to protect the legislature. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Broader context: why this matters
An attack on the National Assembly would carry political and symbolic consequences beyond loss of life or property: it could halt lawmaking, delay oversight functions, and deepen public anxiety about the state’s ability to protect democratic institutions. Observers say protecting parliaments and other civic institutions should be treated as a national security priority with clear continuity plans. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Sources & further reading
