Security was significantly heightened at the National Assembly Complex on Thursday morning in preparation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address to a joint session, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.
By 6:00 a.m., the legislative chambers had already seen a heavy presence of security operatives, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security outfits positioned across the complex.
According to reports in Abuja, multiple checkpoints were mounted at entry and exit routes, as operatives conducted thorough screenings of vehicles and individuals seeking access. Sniffer dogs, handheld scanners, and bomb-detection devices were actively deployed as part of the security protocol.
President Tinubu is scheduled to deliver his speech at noon, commemorating the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which is widely considered the fairest and most transparent poll in the nation’s history. The address is expected to highlight the significance of democratic values and governance in Nigeria.
The atmosphere within and around the National Assembly was a blend of anticipation and vigilance. Lawmakers, civil servants, journalists, and other attendees were required to pass through several layers of security screening, with personnel ensuring no lapses occurred in the process.
Movement within the complex was tightly regulated. Security operatives cordoned off several access points and tactical units patrolled key areas around the National Assembly. Joint patrol teams were seen moving in formation, occasionally pausing to assess potential security risks.
Inside the House of Representatives chamber, designated as the venue for the presidential address, plainclothes officers subtly mingled with protocol staff, providing an added layer of security monitoring.
A senior operative of the DSS, who pleaded anonymity to reporters, confirmed that the heightened security was a proactive step aimed at safeguarding all participants.
“We are coordinating across all relevant agencies to ensure a safe and orderly event,” the DSS official stated.
Meanwhile, despite the extensive security arrangements, the proceedings remained orderly. No incident of disruption was reported as of press time, and security officials maintained constant communication over radio channels to ensure swift response to anyemerging situation.
