The Department of State Service (DSS) has announced that 21 suspected Boko Haram detainees were killed during the attempted jail break at the Service headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja on Sunday.
According to an update released by the Deputy Director, Public Relations at the DSS headquarters, Marilyn Ogar, two other security operatives sustained serious injuries.
A terse statement released on Sunday evening reads, “Following our earlier releases, it has been established that eighteen (18) casualties were recorded, while two (2) Service personnel sustained serious injuries.
“Three (3) other detainees who sustained gunshot injuries during the incident have also died.
“Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the immediate and remote causes.
“Any other detail will be communicated”.
Earlier in the day, exchange of gunshots was loud at the headquarters of the Secret service, DSS, which lasted for about an hour.
The DSS had to call for reinforcement from the military that promptly deployed armed personnel, military helicopters and moved Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to contain the attack by the insurgents.
DSS spokesperson, Ogar, later in a release stated that the shootout was as a result of an attempted jail break by some of the inmates.
She had stated, “At 0715 hours, the Service suspect handler went to the detention facility within the Headquarters to feed the suspects. One of the suspects attempted to disarm him by hitting him at the back of his head with his handcuff.
“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”.
Meanwhile, following rumour that the suspected Boko Haram inmates attempted to attack the Presidential Villa, which is a stone throw from the battle field (DSS headquarters), Presidential Adviser on Media, Dr Reuben Abati, has assured Nigerians that President Goodluck Jonathan was well and fine and thanked them for their concern.
He said on his twitter handle, “What happened at the SSS HQs has nothing to do with the Villa. President Jonathan is safe and well. Thank you for your concern and support.”
