The National Assembly has beefed up its security as it was alerted about Boko Haram’ plot to attack the building and other strategic places in Abuja.   

Lawmakers on Wednesday confirmed this.

The ‘security alert’, dated May 4, 2021, was issued by Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, National Assembly, Mr Usman  Shiddi.

The statement which was titled ‘Re: planned insurgent attacks on VIP locations, government facilities and assets in Abuja,’ stated that “I refer to the above subject of which a copy of the intelligence report from the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force in the National Assembly Complex has been made available to my office.

“The report indicates planned insurgent attacks by some elements of Boko Haram on some VIP locations, government facilities and assets in Abuja, including the National Assembly complex.

“In view of the above intelligence, I have considered it paramount to advise that all members should, henceforth, use the presidential gate for ingress and egress.

“This is to avoid the unforeseen congestions that are sometimes encountered at the main gates, since such congestions could easily be the targets for these insurgent elements.

“Security agencies are, however, actively on top of the issue to unravel and to contain the intended menace. Accept the assurances of my highest regards, please.”

A lawmaker from the House of Representatives, expressed that his presence at the National Assembly will be minimal, lamenting that “nowhere is safe in the country anymore.”

 “I saw the security alert today. I’m already moving out of here. I’ll only be around when there is a major reason to do so. Nowhere is safe in the country anymore,” he said.

Security has been beefed up in and around the complex since Thursday last week.

Security operatives are already checking vehicles entering the premises, causing traffic congestion especially at the third (and last) gate, a process that has continued till date.

Before now, the security operatives were only after the identities of drivers and passengers to confirm that they were staff members, legislative aides, journalists or persons working in private businesses in the complex.

The Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, House of Representatives, Abubakar Fulata,  also confirmed the development in plenary.