BEVERLY HILLS, CA, March 30, (THEWILL) – There were reports of sporadic gunshots at the headquarters of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) located close to the Presidential Villa in Abuja as detained members of the Boko Haram attempted a jail break.
The move was however foiled following the mobilization of security operatives from the military.
The incident prompted a complete lockdown of the area as the military took over security in the vicinity as Aso Rock, the seat of government, was completely barricaded as vehicles into the district were diverted to the gate at the Supreme Court end.
Confirming the incident, Department of State Services (DSS) spokeswoman Marilyn Ogar said it occurred at 7:15 am (local time) when one of its officers went to feed the detainees.
“One of the suspects attempted to disarm him by hitting him at the back of his head with his handcuff,” Ogar said in an emailed statement.
“His attempt to escape drew the attention of other guards at the facility who fired some shots to warn and deter others.
“The gun shots attracted the attention of the military with whom we have an understanding of mutual assistance in the event of any threat.
“The Army immediately deployed a team to reinforce our perimeter guards to forestall any external collaborators. The situation has since been brought under control,” Ogar added.
The Boko Haram is a terrorist group operating mainly in northern Nigeria.
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