Security forces in the early hours of Friday engaged in a gun duel with men suspected to be members of the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, killing no fewer than seven in the process and injuring several others.
The spokesperson for the State security service (SSS), Marylin Ogar, who confirmed this development said the security personnel acted on an information supplied by two Boko Haram members- Kamal Abdullahi and Mohammed Adamu who had earlier been arrested for terrorists activities.
According to Ogar, the two men led security team to a building behind Apo Legislative quarters in Abuja, where arms were suspected to have been stored.
In the process of searching for the arms, the SSS spokesperson said other members of the sect around opened fire and the security personnel had to respond promptly.
She said some of the sect members were injured and 12 arrested but did not mention the number of death recorded.
Prompt News Online however, gathered than no fewer than seven were feared killed during the exchange of gun shots.
The statement issued by Ogar reads in full, “In the early hours of today 20th September, 2013, about 0030 hours a combined security team went for an operation behind the Apo legislative quarters.
“The operation was sequel to information obtained from two (2) Boko Haram elements Kamal ABDULLAHI and Mohammed ADAMU, who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities. They led the security team to uncompleted buildings where arms were purported to have been buried underground.
“No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements within the area, which prompted immediate response from the security team. As a result, some persons were injured and twelve (12) others have been arrested in connection with the incident, and are making useful statements.
“Normalcy has returned to the area. Members of the public are advised to go about their normal businesses, as appropriate security measures have been emplaced to ensure the safety of citizens in the FCT.
“We want to reiterate the need for all Nigerians to be vigilant of their immediate environment and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies. Our National security must remain the collective responsibility of all Nigerians”.