In recent months, a disturbing series of thefts has unfolded within Nigeria’s National Assembly complex, exposing troubling security lapses. Despite being under the watchful eyes of multiple security agencies, including the police and the State Security Services (SSS), the complex has been targeted by thieves who have stolen dozens of manhole covers. One security officer, while conducting a routine patrol at the crack of dawn, was ambushed by a group of criminals who overpowered him, stabbed him, and tied him up before making off with the heavy iron covers. The officer, who now avoids nighttime patrols in the area, was left wondering how such a brazen act could occur in one of the country’s most heavily guarded buildings.
The theft of manhole covers, which are often sold to scrap dealers for a quick profit, has become a rampant issue in the Nigerian capital. The consequences of these thefts are grave—open manholes are turning roads and sidewalks into deadly traps for pedestrians and motorists alike. Investigations have shown that the thieves are not operating in isolation. Police have arrested over 50 suspects this year alone, uncovering firearms and illicit substances, hinting at a broader criminal network behind the thefts. Yet, the thieves remain undeterred, and even the National Assembly complex, a symbol of the nation’s democratic strength, has not been immune to this growing crisis.
The mystery deepens when it’s revealed that some of the stolen manhole covers were taken directly from strategic areas of the complex itself, including the main parking lot and key access roads. Surveillance footage captured one thief entering a car parked just outside the National Assembly gates, adding to the complexity of the crime. Security officers stationed throughout the complex were unable to stop the thieves despite their presence, and suspicions have arisen that these same criminals are behind the broader theft wave. What’s even more chilling is the thought that such a secure location could be infiltrated with such ease, making one wonder how many other security breaches go unnoticed.
The situation at the National Assembly is part of a larger pattern of insecurity that has plagued the nation’s top legislative institution for years. From car thefts to the infamous 2018 heist of the Senate’s mace, criminals seem to be exploiting every weakness in the building’s security. Experts warn that open manholes within the complex could be used as hideouts or storage for weapons, leaving the door wide open for further criminal activity. The threat of stolen documents and confidential materials being hidden within these holes only adds to the urgency. With each passing day, the image of the National Assembly as a symbol of stability and law is tarnished, and the call for stronger security measures has never been more urgent.
