Apo Killing: They were not Squatters, they were Terrorists” -Nigerian Army

The Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Ihejirika, has insisted that the ‘squatters’ found in an uncompleted building in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were suspected terrorists who were making plans to bomb prominent areas of the FCT.

Gen. Ihejirika told House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that the police were left out of the action because it was a specialized operation. He was roundly supported by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Bala Mohammed who was present at the meeting with the committee.

Meanwhile, the Army chief’s claim is contrary to claims by the survivors, residents and rights activists that the victims are artisans and tricycle operators who resides in the building in the Apo environs of Abuja.

Report emanating from the hospitals where survivors of the attack shows that One died in the hospital, raising the toll to 10. No fewer than 13 others were injured in the last friday early morning assault.

The Army boss said the operation was not the first of its kind as his men have succeeded in intercepting several intended terrorist attacks on the FCT. He said there was information that a terrorist group was hiding explosives around Apo. This, he said, was thoroughly investigated and a move to remove the explosives was launched.

Mohammed corroborated Gen, Ihejirika’s account. He said the attack, which was coordinated by the Commander, Guards Brigade, was to intercept hidden improvised explosive devices (IED) in a cemetery.

According to Mohammed, there was planned operation, which he described as an isolated terrorist operation to bomb some critical installations in the FCT, such as the Radio House, shopping malls as well as churches on September 22.

“It is imperative to mention here that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies have been working assiduously round the clock to ensure the containment of the heinous activities of the men f the underworld and particularly the Boko Haram in the FCT.

“The intelligence information available to the Guards Brigade confirmed that a number of IEDs to be used for the Sunday operation were buried in a cemetery in Apo area.

“The need to act swiftly to recover the explosive devices was necessary, hence the operation.

According to the minister, the intention was not to kill but to remove the improvised explosives devices.

“According to the security agencies, on approaching the identified uncompleted building which was claimed to harbour the explosives.

“The security operatives were fired at, which led to exchange of fire and the resultant casualties.

“As a civil and highly responsible administration, our immediate concern was how to manage the collateral damage that ensued from this genuinely intended operation.

“It is highly probable that some innocent persons might have been injured, which again highlights the danger of living with people unknown to you.”

Mohammed said as a fallout of the incident, owners of abandoned uncompleted buildings in the FCT would be sanctioned.

The minister also debunked claims that the twin duplex where the shooting took place was owned by a retired Army officer.

He said the plot was allocated in 2009 to Adunni Oluwola Salisu who, according to him got the approval to develop the property located off Abba Kyari Close, Apo Legislative Quarters Zone E.

The Bello Mutawalle-led Committee called for the demolition of the uncompleted twin duplex where the killing took place. But some members of the committee called for caution and urged the committee to defer its decision and allow the Senate to conclude its into the matter.