Presidency Says Jonathan Is Safe As 20 Boko Haram Suspects Die In SSS Jail Break Attempt
By Adetokunbo Fakeye
20 Boko Haram detainees have been reportedly shot dead in a shoot-out that ensued this morning at the headquarters of State Security Service (SSS) in the Asokoro district of Abuja.
Early this morning there was an exchange of gun fire at the seat of Nigeria government and the headquarters of the department of State Security Services in the Asokoro District of Abuja between suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents and security agents.
The specific target of the insurgents according to information was the headquarters of the Department of State Security Services, SSS
Spokesperson for the SSS, Marilyn Ogar, revealed that there was attempted jail break at the Service’s headquarters by suspected members of the extremist Boko Haram sect.
“What happened was that the suspects’ handlers went to feed the detainees here but suddenly they attacked him with their handcuffs, disarmed him and started shooting.
“The military was quickly called in before they could do any harm and that is responsible for the shootings you heard.
“It was an attempted jail break but it has been brought under control.” She said.
The entire area, a security source informed has been barricaded by Soldiers with Armoured Personnel Carriers.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said in a statement posted on his twitter handle [@abati1990] that Mr. Jonathan was unharmed in the shootout between the army and insurgents at the SSS headquarters. The presidential villa, which has one of its gates overlooking the SSS headquarters, is a stone throw away from the scene of the attack.
“What happened at the SSS HQs has nothing to do with the Villa. President Jonathan is safe and well. Thank you for your concern & support,” Mr. Abati said.
He added, “What happened at the SSS HQ this morning was an attempted jailbreak which has been effectively foiled. There is no cause for alarm.”
