“Terrorist groups, including factions like Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), have demonstrated reach near or within the FCT.”
The stability of Nigeria’s democracy is reportedly under threat following an alarming disclosure by a House of Representatives committee about an alleged plot by terrorist groups to bomb the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The warning suggests that such an attack could cripple legislative activities and destabilise the nation.
Hon. Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, revealed the serious intelligence on Tuesday.
The revelation was made during a public hearing for a bill intended to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, a proposed new agency to coordinate security operations within the parliament.
Muhammad expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in and around the National Assembly, stressing that intelligence reports have uncovered specific plans by terrorists to strike the complex.
The move to establish a dedicated Legislative Security Directorate, which would streamline and manage security within the parliament, now appears to take on greater urgency in light of the alleged threats.
The committee is pressing for immediate action to address the security gaps and neutralise the risk to the complex, its occupants, and the country’s legislative process.
The Proposed Legislative Security Directorate Bill (HB 1632) is being considered by the House of Representatives to establish a specialised, independent internal security framework for the National Assembly.
It aims to professionalise and coordinate all security operations within the complex.
Key Objectives and Functions: Establishment of a Directorate: To create the Legislative Security Directorate as a dedicated agency responsible for the National Assembly’s security.
Safety of Lives and Property: Its core function is to ensure the safety and security of lives and property within the National Assembly complex and its precincts, protecting lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
Security Coordination: To coordinate and integrate security efforts, working closely with other national security and intelligence agencies to share information and intelligence.
Threat and Risk Assessment: To conduct regular assessments to identify potential threats (including terrorism, theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access) and take appropriate actions.
Emergency Response: To respond to emergencies such as fire, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents.
Professionalising the Sergeant-at-Arms: To provide a legal framework for the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, setting clear qualifications, conditions of service, and training standards for the personnel of the Directorate. The Head of the Sergeant-at-Arms would hold the same status as a Secretary in the National Assembly Service.
Addressing Lapses: To resolve current security challenges like car/motorcycle theft, vandalism, the use of fake ID cards, and easy access by unauthorised visitors and constituents.
Adopting Best Practices: The bill aims to adopt “world best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture.”
Context for the Bill: The proponents of the bill, including the House Committee Chairman on Internal Security, emphasised that the National Assembly’s status as an open institution receiving a high daily influx of people (legislators, staff, lobbyists, visitors, and protesters) makes it a prime and vulnerable target.
They argue that failure to address the security lapses could “truncate” legislative activities and “destabilise” Nigeria’s democracy.
While Abuja is generally considered one of the safer Nigerian cities, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has experienced a notable deterioration in security in recent times, even around its outskirts.
Key Security Concerns: Kidnapping for Ransom: There has been a surge in kidnapping incidents, particularly in the suburbs and on the outskirts of the FCT. Victims often include dual nationals or citizens perceived as wealthy.
Terrorism Risk: The risk of terrorist attacks remains high. Terrorist groups, including factions like Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), have demonstrated reach near or within the FCT.
Past Incidents: A significant attack occurred in 2022 when ISWA claimed responsibility for attacking the Kuje Prison in the FCT, resulting in a mass breakout. There have also been attacks on security personnel in neighbouring Niger State, which borders the FCT.
Targets: Potential terrorist targets include crowded public places, markets, hotels, schools, places of worship, and government buildings like the National Assembly.
Rising Crime: Beyond terrorism, the FCT has seen an increase in violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking.
The same committee mentioned above cited issues like car theft, vandalism, and petty trading within the National Assembly complex, underscoring general crime challenges.
Inter-State Threats: Terrorist and armed gangs often operate from states bordering the FCT (like Niger and Kaduna), making the capital vulnerable to infiltration.
The warning about the plot to bomb the National Assembly complex is a direct reflection of this general, elevated security threat level that has been a growing concern in the capital territory.
