The National Assembly Complex was placed under tight security on Thursday morning ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled address to a joint session in commemoration of Democracy Day.
As early as 6 am, a significant deployment of security operatives had taken positions across the sprawling complex,
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies were seen conducting rigorous security checks on vehicles and individuals seeking access to the premises.
Tinubu is expected to deliver his address by 12 noon as part of the Democracy Day celebrations, which marks the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
The atmosphere at the National Assembly was a mix of anticipation and alertness.
Staff, journalists, and lawmakers passed through multiple layers of security screening, with sniffer dogs, bomb-detection equipment, and handheld scanners in operation.
Entry and exit points were cordoned off to control movement, while tactical units patrolled strategic locations around the premises.
Security officials confirmed that the measures were preemptive and intended to ensure the safety of the President, lawmakers, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
“We are coordinating across all relevant agencies to ensure a safe and orderly event,” said a senior DSS operative who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Joint patrol teams could be seen moving in formation across the complex, occasionally stopping to scan for possible threats.
Inside the House of Representatives chambers, the venue for the event, plainclothes operatives mingled discreetly with protocol staff, adding another layer of surveillance.
Despite the heavy security, there was no reported disturbance. The mood remained calm but closely monitored, with security operatives maintaining constant radio communication.
