The National Assembly on Friday night announced the commencement of a stop and search policy. The announcement follows several alerts regarding security threats in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,
The National Assembly Complex is particularly a vulnerable target for insurgent attacks, according to the National Assembly Security Committee,
The stop and search announcement was contained in a memo signed by the Director, Administrative, Dr. Tahir Sani.
The memo read, “One of such measures is the directive to Security Agencies and the Sergeant-at-Arms Department to ensure that, effective Monday, October 31, 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.
“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.
“While regretting the inconvenience that this policy may cause to our Visitors, Staff, Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators, it is important to state that this measure is due to the exigent demands of our security challenges.”
Recall that the United States and the United Kingdom on Sunday warned their citizens of possible terrorist attacks in Abuja.
The attacks are mainly aimed at government buildings, places of worship and schools, among other targets according to the warning.
Since then, more foreign missions in Nigeria have also raised security alerts of an impending terrorist attack on the nation’s capital including the embassies of Denmark, Ireland, Bulgaria, Finland and Germany in Abuja.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
