Red Alert: Security Beefed Up Around The Presidential Villa As Gunmen Storm SSS HQ

Heavy security around the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Sunday following heavy the early morning shootings at the headquarters of the State Security Service.

Armoured Personnel Carrier was used to completely block a lane on the road leading to Federal Secretariat with motorists driving one way.

Military helicopters were also seen hovering the sky within the SSS headquarters located behind the Aso Rock Villa, where President Jonathan resides.

The access gate to the seat of power through the Fire Service office in Asokoro was quickly shut while more heavily armed soldiers were seen at the gate leading to the Villa through the Federal Secretariat.

Access to the Aso Drive area has also been cordoned off, as motorist were turned back armed SSS operatives.

According to the state security service, “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 incident led to a gun battle between the suspects and the SSS operatives.

As the news of the incident spread, security was also quickly beefed up at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters called the Louis Edet House located in Area 11, also not too far from the Presidential Villa.