To prevent potential terrorist threats, the National Assembly has ordered that all vehicles entering its grounds starting on Monday of next week be stopped and searched.
This was one of the precautions taken, among others, to thwart terrorist assaults on the assembly complex, according to a memo from the National Assembly Security Committee.
“One such measure is the directive to Security Agencies and the Sergeant-at-Arms Department to ensure that, effective Monday, 31 October 2022, all vehicles coming into the National Assembly premises are thoroughly searched.
“This entails that, the drivers of the vehicles shall by themselves open the booths of their cars and submit their vehicles to comprehensive checks,” the memo, signed by Tahir Sani, clerk of the Committee, reads in part.
“Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators are by this notice advised to use the Presidential gate, unless they are willing to submit themselves to this stop and search policy,” the memo added.
Earlier in the week, the U.S. and UK embassies in Abuja warned of potential terrorist strikes in the nation's capital.
Markets, churches, and government facilities were listed as potential targets in the security recommendations, which warned civilians and ordered staff members to leave the nation.
Similar security warnings have also been issued by the Canadian and Australian embassies.
The federal government, according to Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, was aware of the security situation and rejected the advisories as "clickbait."
In a statement sent by his spokeswoman, Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari also advised the public not to panic over security concerns.