The National Assembly says it has foiled a planned attack on its complex and other public buildings in Abuja by Boko Haram insurgents.

When contacted, several members of the House of Representatives confirmed receiving intelligence of impending attack by the terrorist group.

One of the lawmakers who hails from the South-West disclosed that many of their members have resolved to limit their frequent attendance in the complex.

“That is the security alert I saw 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.

The PUNCH reported that a copy of the notice was said to have been made available to the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and other principal officers of the House.

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

It was titled ‘Re: planned insurgent attacks on VIP locations, government facilities and assets in Abuja.’

The alert read:

“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.”

In an attempt to beef up security in and around the complex since Thursday last week, security operatives commenced inspection of vehicles entering the premises for the first time.

The action caused traffic congestion especially at the third (and last) gate, a process that has continued to date.

Soldiers were also included in the regular sergeants-at-arms and men of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps that manned the gates.

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, confirmed the development in plenary.

The PUNCH