Twenty Boko Haram detainees have been killed after attempting a daredevil prison break at the Department of State Secutiy headquarters which is in close proximity to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The chaos started at about 6 am when the guards at the DSS lockup where changing shifts, and one of the guards broke protocol and opened the gate leading to the cell where the detainees are being held. The prisoners sensing their opportunity overpowered the operative and seized his rifle, shooting him with it.
DSS operatives regrouped to quell the attack, and no fewer than 20 Boko Haram members were killed in the ensuing melee, sources say.
DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar 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.
“[The suspect’s] 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. Further details will be communicated.”
Another source said, “The whole episode occurred around 6:30 am and 7am on Sunday during the normal handing over and takeover of detainees.
“The standard rule is that you cannot go alone to open the gate leading to the detainees’ cell but as soon as the man opened the gate, he was attacked and he tried to run away and was shot.
“The shot operative has been taken to hospital.”